Among the main innovations contained in the text regulating 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 deaths, is the proposal to allow 17-year-olds to obtain a driving license, thus being able to drive cars, trucks or buses (provided they are accompanied by an experienced driver until they turn 18).
The relevant duration will be a minimum of 15 years for driving licenses for cars and motorcycles, and 5 years for trucks and buses, in addition to replacing the medical examination with “fitness to drive” in order to obtain or renew a license.
The text also proposes that 18-year-olds and accompanied 17-year-olds (currently the recommended minimum age is 21) should be able to drive lorries and buses, “with a maximum of 16 passengers and provided they hold a certificate of professional competence”, to counter the shortage 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 older people, in order to avoid discrimination and guarantee their right to free movement.
Each EU country will be able to decide whether self-assessment should be replaced by a medical examination with a minimum set of checks.
However, the European Parliament wants EU governments to do more to raise public awareness of the mental and physical signs that can put a person at risk when driving.
According to MEPs, it would be desirable for drivers to be better prepared for real driving situations and to be aware of the risks to the most vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians, children, cyclists and electric scooter riders. That’s why the text also calls for the following to be included 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 required for new drivers, during which they are subject to certain restrictions, such as alcohol limits while driving and stricter penalties for unsafe driving.
MEPs also advocate the introduction of a digital driving license, available on smartphones and fully equivalent to the paper license. It will now be up to the new European Parliament, which will be elected in June, to take the reform project forward.