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European Parliament Finalizes EU Driving‑Licence Overhaul Focused on Road Safety

Member states now face a four‑year national rollout after the law is published in the EU’s Official Journal.

Overview

  • The package introduces an EU digital driving licence accessible on mobile devices while preserving the right to a physical card.
  • The rules allow category B licences at 17 with an experienced driver, open earlier access to truck and bus licences for qualified 18‑ and 21‑year‑olds, and create a two‑year probation for novices.
  • Licence withdrawals, suspensions or limits imposed in one country will be applied EU‑wide, with rapid information exchanges for serious offenses.
  • Driver training and tests will add content on blind spots, driver‑assistance systems, safe door opening and phone distraction, with a stronger focus on vulnerable road users.
  • The directive takes effect 20 days after publication, then countries have three years to transpose and one additional year to prepare, with national discretion on validity periods and medical checks.