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European Parliament Approves EU Driving-Licence Overhaul With EU-Wide Bans and Digital Licence by 2030

Member states now have up to four years to implement the changes.

Overview

  • Driving bans for extreme speeding, drunk or drugged driving and fatal crashes will be recognised and enforced across all member states.
  • A unified digital licence accessible by smartphone is mandated by 2030, with a physical card remaining available on request.
  • Mandatory health checks for older drivers were dropped, while a medical exam or self‑declaration is required before licensing and standard validity is set at 15 years.
  • New drivers face a minimum two‑year probation, with accompanied driving at 17 extended EU‑wide and training updated to cover blind spots, distraction and assist systems.
  • Minimum ages for professional licences drop to 18 for lorries and 21 for buses to ease shortages, and countries have three years plus one year of preparation for rollout.