According to the regulations adopted yesterday by the European Parliament, a category C driving licence can be obtained at the age of 18, provided the holder has a professional competence certificate. Those without such a certificate will only be able to acquire the licence after reaching 21 years of age.
Similar rules will apply for category D licences – professional drivers with the appropriate certificate can start working from the age of 21, while others will be able to do so after turning 24.
This is a step aimed at increasing access to the professional driver career while maintaining high safety standards.
Shorter document validity and mandatory examinations
Driving licences for truck and bus drivers will be valid for five years. Member states will have the option to shorten this period for individuals over 65 to ensure more frequent health checks.
Before issuing or renewing a driving licence, professional drivers will be required to undergo medical examinations – including vision and cardiovascular checks. For private drivers, countries may apply a simplified health self-assessment procedure, but professional drivers will remain under full medical supervision.
Digital driving licences and offence information exchange
Under the new regulations, a digital driving licence format will be introduced, available through a mobile application. However, each driver will retain the right to receive a traditional document – issued within three weeks of application.
The new measures aim to facilitate road inspections, reduce forgeries, and improve information exchange between member states.
A key element of the reform is strengthening cross-border data exchange on traffic offences. EU countries will exchange information faster about drivers committing offences outside their vehicle’s registration country – including drink-driving, speeding, not using seatbelts, or using a phone while driving.
The aim is that no violation of regulations should go without consequences – regardless of the country in which the driver committed the offence.
Greater emphasis on safety and driver training
The new regulations require EU countries to enhance the quality of driver training and licence exams. Exams will include elements such as handling driver assistance systems, knowledge of blind-spot hazards, mobile phone use, and rules on pedestrian and cyclist protection.
A minimum two-year probation period for new drivers will also be introduced. During this period, stricter penalties for offences, such as drink-driving, speeding, or not wearing seatbelts, will apply.
“Transport professions will become more attractive”
Jutta Paulus (Verts/ALE, Germany), a European Parliament rapporteur, emphasised that the new regulations will make driver professions more accessible and attractive while maintaining high safety standards.
“The new directive will introduce digital driving licences, giving citizens a choice between an app and a physical card. Driver training will include more safety elements for pedestrians and cyclists. Volunteers, such as firefighters or paramedics, will more easily be able to drive emergency vehicles,” said Paulus.
Three years to implement the regulations
The new regulations will come into force 20 days after publication in the EU Official Journal. Member states will have three years to transpose the regulations into national law and another year for the full implementation of the system.
The reform is part of a broader package on road safety under the EU’s “Vision Zero”, aiming to completely eliminate road transport fatalities by 2050.
