Are we in for a big change in driver’s licenses? Discussing the draft directive of the European Parliament

On March 1, 2023, the European Commission adopted a proposal for a thorough review of EU driving license rules. The proposed changes are currently under consideration in the European Council and should soon be discussed in the European Parliament. What are the reasons and objectives of the draft directive and what should be changed?

Reasons and objectives of the directive

At the heart of the initiative now put forward by European legislators is the need to update the rules of the European Union governing the issuance of driver’s licenses.

However, the main goal of the proposed changes is to improve road safety and further reduce the number of road traffic fatalities (in the rationale for the proposed directive, the Commission retains the previously proposed goal of achieving zero fatalities in all modes of transport across the European Union by 2050 year). Particular attention is paid to vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists, scooter and personal vehicle users, and people with disabilities.

According to the applicants from the EU, there are still too many drivers’ license holders on the roads of the EU, who, due to their incapacity, pose a danger to other road users. There were also more crashes and deaths involving rookie drivers who had just passed their driving test.

Change must occur while facilitating the free movement of people within the European Union, in line with the idea of ​​sustainable road transport and its digital transformation. But what exactly are we talking about here?

What will change?

Drivers aged 17 will be able to take the test and drive, but only if accompanied by an adult.

The draft directive provides for the possibility of passing a driving test for young 17-year-old drivers who are not yet 18 years old. The caveat here, however, is that after passing until reaching the age of majority, such drivers will be able to drive vehicles only if accompanied by a person who has reached the age of 25 and has held a driver’s license for at least five years (and has not been deprived of the right to drive a vehicle in during this period).

Introduction of a two-year probationary period for novice drivers

Article 15 of the draft directive introduces a trial period of at least two years for novice drivers. During this period, the principle of “zero tolerance for alcohol” should apply, i.e. a system of penalties for drivers whose blood alcohol level exceeds 0.0 g / ml is revealed.

Training on the impact of driving style on greenhouse gas emissions

According to the project assumptions, driving education should always provide future drivers with sufficient knowledge about the impact of driving style on greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. These trainings should present ways to reduce these emissions as well as comprehensively prepare for driving zero emission vehicles.

Strengthening the process of preventive medical examinations of drivers

An enhanced process of preventive medical examinations of drivers throughout the European Union has also been established. Sufficient physical and mental capacity to drive vehicles must be provided in all Community countries.

The annex to the project provides the latest recommendations on the minimum standards that must be met in order to be a driver. Special rules are also taken into account when referring to people with chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, epilepsy, sleep apnea or kidney disease.

Implementation of a unified digital driver’s license

Driving licenses in all Member States must be digitally issued within 4 years from the date of the proposed default decisions. The developers indicate that this should simplify the rules for recognizing driver’s licenses between different countries, while not excluding certain categories of the population. Despite the introduction of the new solution, it will still be possible to obtain a physical driver’s license or a driver’s license in both forms (i.e. digital and physical). Renewing, as well as changing or replacing a digital driver’s license will be much easier, thanks to the possibility of carrying out all related procedures online.