Driving bans and driving licenses: The European Union adopts new rules for all drivers
The European Parliament has approved wide-ranging reforms to driving license laws across all EU member states. These changes aim to modernize licensing systems, enhance road safety, and address the shortage of professional drivers. Key measures include the introduction of a digital driving license accessible via smartphone, as well as the implementation of a cross-border driving ban in the event of serious traffic violations.
By 2030, all EU member states will adopt a unified digital driving license that drivers can carry on their smartphones and use throughout the union. Despite the availability of the digital version, citizens will still have the right to request a physical license card. Both versions will be equally valid, giving drivers the freedom to choose between the two forms. This update is part of the EU's efforts to develop unified digital services across borders.
Among the most notable new changes is the implementation of a unified driving ban across all EU member states. Previously, the driving ban was only enforced within the borders of the country where it was issued. Now, serious offenses such as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, causing fatal accidents, or significantly exceeding the speed limit can lead to a driving ban that applies to all EU countries. The country where the offense occurred will be able to notify the country that issued the license to enforce the ban uniformly across Europe. However, the implementation of this system will not actually begin until it is integrated into the national laws of each member state.
The European Union has decided to lower the minimum age for obtaining a truck driving license from 21 to 18 years, and for a bus driving license from 24 to 21 years, in order to address the labor shortage in the transport sector. Additionally, the 'accompanied driving' system, currently implemented in Germany for those aged 17, will be recognized in all EU countries. This will allow young people to gain driving experience under supervision at an early age and enhance the standards of unified driving education.
The content of driving lessons will also be significantly updated. The theoretical lessons will focus on the dangers of using phones while driving, dealing with blind spots, and understanding driver assistance systems. There will also be an increased focus on how to interact with pedestrians, children, and cyclists. For fans of mobile homes (caravans), holders of a category 'B' license will be allowed to drive vehicles weighing up to 4.25 tons after completing additional training or testing, as determined by each country.
Despite previous discussions, mandatory medical examinations will not be imposed on elderly drivers. Each country will retain the right to decide whether to require health reports or self-assessment forms. Other proposals, such as creating a special license for large vehicles (SUVs), imposing a night driving ban on young drivers, or requiring those over seventy to renew their licenses every five years, have also been excluded.
These regulations are part of the European road safety package that supports the "Vision Zero" initiative aimed at eliminating deaths and serious injuries on the roads by 2050. Although the European Union aims to halve the number of deaths by 2030 compared to 2019, progress remains slow. In 2024, 19,940 people died in road accidents across the European Union, a slight decrease of 2% from the previous year. Sweden and Denmark are among the safest countries, while Germany continues to perform better than the EU average.