The reform of the EU driving license made a crucial advance on February 28, 2024, when the European Parliament plenary adopted its position on the text proposed by the European Commission with 339 votes in favor, 240 against, and 37 abstentions. A key innovation involves the driving test, which will now include knowledge on driving in snowy or slippery conditions, safe use of the phone while driving, blind spots, driver assistance systems, and vehicle door opening safety.
Regarding validity, the European Parliament's text extends it to 15 years for motorcycles and cars and maintains a five-year period for industrial vehicles and buses. The amendment that sought to reduce validity for older people was rejected “to avoid discrimination and ensure their right to free movement and participation in economic and social life.” The text introduces the possibility of self-assessment on driving fitness when a license is issued and renewed, leaving it up to EU countries to replace it with a medical examination with checks on vision and cardiovascular conditions. However, a medical visit remains mandatory for higher license categories.
The digital license has also been approved, but the option to obtain a physical one upon request remains. For new drivers, the reform includes a probationary period of at least two years, during which they would be subject to certain restrictions, such as stricter alcohol limits while driving and harsher penalties for unsafe driving.
A significant chapter for transport is the lowering of the age to obtain truck and bus licenses to 18, with the possibility to reduce it to 17 if accompanied by an experienced driver (for categories C and C1). This is intended to alleviate the driver shortage. To this end, the text also includes the possibility of converting the Professional Competence Certificate for individuals from non-EU countries.
With this act, the Parliament has concluded its first reading, passing the text to the new Parliament to be elected in June 2024, for further work on the legislation. This means the final text may undergo changes.
