Driving Age Reduced, But With Conditions

The European Union is set to implement critically important changes to its driving license regulations, following a political agreement between the European Council and the European Parliament. These changes aim to bolster road safety across the EU while also tackling the growing shortage of professional drivers. One of the most notable changes is the potential for 17-year-olds to drive under specific conditions.

Supervised Driving for Teenagers

Under the new directive, EU member states will have the option to allow 17-year-olds to drive passenger vehicles, provided they are accompanied by an experienced adult driver. This measure aims to provide younger individuals with early driving experience under supervision, possibly leading to safer driving habits in the long run. This approach mirrors successful programs already in place in several countries, such as Germany’s ” begleitetes Fahren ab 17 ” (supervised driving at 17), which has shown promising results in reducing accident rates among young drivers.

Lowering the Age for Professional Drivers

The reforms also include a reduction in the minimum age for obtaining licenses for heavy vehicles, such as trucks, from 21 to 18. Furthermore, the possibility is opened for those under 17 to drive such vehicles accompanied by an experienced driver within thier country’s borders. The minimum age to obtain a bus driving license will also decrease from 24 to 21.These changes are designed to attract younger individuals to the transportation sector and alleviate the current shortage of professional drivers, a problem that has been impacting supply chains and logistics across europe.

Digital Driving Licenses and Extended Validity

The new regulations also pave the way for the introduction of a standardized European driving license, valid across all EU member states. this license will be available in a digital format, accessible via smartphones using community electronic wallet technology. While the digital license offers convenience and ease of access, drivers will retain the right to request a physical driving license.

Validity Periods

Driving licenses for cars and motorcycles will have a validity of 15 years, although EU countries can reduce this period to 10 years if the permit serves as a national identity document. Licenses for trucks and buses will require renewal every five years. Member states also have the option to shorten the validity of driving licenses for older drivers (65+), reflecting concerns about age-related cognitive and physical decline.

Stricter Requirements and Probationary Periods

While the minimum ages for certain driving licenses are being lowered, the requirements for obtaining them are becoming more stringent. Aspiring drivers will now be required to undergo a medical examination, including an assessment of their vision and cardiovascular health. While EU countries can opt for self-assessment forms or alternative measures for car and motorcycle drivers,notably for license renewals,the emphasis on medical fitness remains a key aspect of the new regulations.

Probationary Period and Zero Tolerance

New drivers will face a mandatory probationary period of at least two years, during which they will be subject to stricter rules and penalties. This includes stricter sanctions for offenses such as not wearing seatbelts or using child restraint systems, and also driving under the influence of alcohol. MEPs are encouraging EU countries to adopt a zero-tolerance policy towards alcohol and drugs for all drivers,aiming to eliminate impaired driving altogether. According to the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC), alcohol is a factor in approximately 25% of all road deaths in the EU, highlighting the urgent need for stricter enforcement and preventative measures.

enhanced Driver Education

The updated regulations also emphasize the importance of complete driver education. New drivers will be required to learn about the safe use of mobile phones while driving, the risks associated with blind spots, the functionality of driver assistance systems, safe door opening techniques, and driving in challenging conditions such as snow and slippery surfaces. This enhanced curriculum aims to better prepare drivers for real-world driving scenarios and promote greater awareness of vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians, children, and cyclists.

Towards “Vision Zero“: Reducing Road Fatalities

These reforms are part of the EU’s broader “Vision Zero” initiative, which aims to eliminate all road deaths and serious injuries by 2050. While the initial target of 2025 is unlikely to be met, the EU remains committed to improving road safety and reducing fatalities. In 2024, nearly 20,000 people died in road accidents across the EU.Even though this represents a 3% decrease compared to the previous year, the rate of betterment is considered too slow. The new driving license directive is intended to accelerate progress towards the “Vision Zero” goal.

The new directive on the driving license facilitates people’s lives: it is indeed more digital, more flexible and with less bureaucracy. Simultaneously occurring,we send a clear signal of more road safety,in line with zero vision: less accidents,less injured and less deaths on our roads.
Jutta Paulus, european Parliament

According to Jutta Paulus, a speaker for the European Parliament, the new directive aims to simplify the licensing process while simultaneously enhancing road safety. She also emphasized the importance of uniform standards across Europe and facilitating access to the driving profession for young people, while addressing the shortage of qualified workers in the transport sector.