Among the main innovations contained in the text that regulates the new European driving license, approved in plenary session by the European Parliament and presented last year by the European Commission, with the aim of reducing road mortality, we find the proposal to allow 17-year-olds to obtain a driver’s license, thus being able to drive cars, trucks or buses (as long as they are accompanied by an experienced driver until they turn 18).
The relevant duration will be a minimum of 15 years for the driving license for cars and motorcycles, and 5 years for trucks and buses, in addition to replacing the medical examination with “fitness to drive” for obtaining or renewing the license.
The text also proposes that 18-year-olds and 17-year-olds accompanied by an adult (currently the recommended minimum age is 21) can drive trucks and buses, “with a maximum of 16 passengers and provided they hold a professional aptitude certificate”, to counter the lack of professional drivers.
The European Parliament did not accept the Commission’s proposal to reduce the validity of driving licenses for the elderly, in order to avoid discrimination and guarantee their right to free movement.
The European Parliament approved the Commission’s proposal to reduce the validity of driving licenses for elderly people, in order to avoid discrimination and guarantee the right to free movement.
Each EU country may decide whether self-assessment should be replaced by a medical examination with a minimum set of controls.
However, the European Parliament wants EU governments to do more to raise awareness among the public about the mental and physical signs that can put a person at risk when driving.
According to the Members of the European Parliament, it would be desirable for drivers to be better prepared for real driving situations and to be aware of the risks to vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, children, cyclists, and electric scooter riders. That is why the text also calls for the inclusion of the following in driving license exams: driving in snowy or slippery conditions, safe use of smartphones while driving, blind spots, driver assistance systems, and safe opening of vehicle doors.
In addition, a probationary period of at least two years is necessary for new drivers, during which they are subject to certain restrictions such as alcohol limits while driving and stricter penalties for unsafe driving.
The Members of the European Parliament also advocate for the introduction of a digital driving license, available on smartphones and fully equivalent to the paper driving license. It will now be up to the new European Parliament, which will be elected in June, to move forward with the reform project.
