The shortage of industrial vehicle drivers is pushing the European Union to reduce the minimum age for acquiring higher-category licences, in the hope of expanding the recruitment pool. In May 2025, an important step was taken in this direction with the provisional agreement reached between the European Parliament and the Council of the Union. The agreement provides for lowering the minimum age to obtain a professional driving licence. Under the new rules, it will be possible to drive trucks from the age of 18 (instead of 21), and buses from 21 (instead of 24), provided the driver holds a certificate of professional competence (CPC). In addition, member states will be able to authorise 17-year-olds to drive lorries or vans within their national borders, provided they are accompanied by an experienced driver.
The system of accompanied driving, already established in some national experiences for category B licences, is now extended at European level to professional categories C, C1 and C1E. Young aspiring drivers will thus be able to gain hands-on experience in controlled conditions under supervision. Accompanying drivers will be required to have completed specific training lasting between seven and fourteen hours.
To further address the driver shortage, the agreed text lays the groundwork for a future simplification of the mutual recognition processes for driving licences with non-EU countries. However, the issue of professional qualifications remains unresolved: without a mutual recognition system for CPC certificates, drivers from third countries will continue to face barriers to working in European transport. This is a limitation that, as noted by Raluca Marian, director of the European office of the IRU, will need to be overcome through a future revision of the European training framework.
The reform also responds to decarbonisation goals. Holders of a category B licence will be allowed to drive alternative-fuel passenger or goods vehicles with a mass of up to 4.25 tonnes. Another important element of the reform is the digitalisation of the driving licence. By the end of 2030, a harmonised digital-format licence will be introduced across the Union, integrated into the European Digital Identity Wallet. Citizens will still retain the right to request a physical version. The new regulatory framework also introduces a mandatory probation period for newly licensed drivers and strengthened measures for cross-border recognition of penalties and licence revocations.
The text was approved with broad support by the European Parliament’s Committee on Transport and Tourism (36 votes in favour, 6 against), following the formal green light from the Committee of Permanent Representatives of the Council. The plenary vote is expected in autumn 2025, followed by final adoption by the Council. Member states will then have up to four years to transpose the new rules into their national legislation.
