The European Union is taking important steps towards modernising and, above all, increasing road safety on its roads, by adopting a new set of rules on driving licences. These changes, recently voted on by the European Parliament, bring to the fore a combination of digitalisation, stricter measures for beginners and a more flexible age for obtaining a licence, with the ultimate aim of reducing the number of accidents and casualties.
Perhaps the most anticipated change, and the one that has sparked the most discussion, is the possibility for 17-year-olds to be able to take the driving licence exam. However, this measure comes with an essential safety condition: until they turn 18, they will only be able to drive if they are accompanied by an experienced driver.
This approach, already successfully tested in some Member States, aims to give teenagers a valuable period of gradual adaptation to the traffic environment, under the guidance of an experienced adult, thus contributing to the development of safer and more responsible driving habits.
The new regulations introduce a probationary period of at least two years for all drivers obtaining a licence for the first time, regardless of age. During this period, stricter rules will apply, in particular regarding alcohol consumption and compliance with traffic rules.
This measure is vital, given that young drivers are considered a category with a higher risk of being involved in accidents. The aim is to encourage preventive behaviour and to quickly discourage dangerous deviations.
Another pillar of the reform is digitalisation. In addition to the physical format, a digital driving licence is introduced, accessible and stored directly on the mobile phone. This simplifies the recognition and verification of the document in all EU Member States.
In addition, driving licences for cars and motorcycles will be valid for 15 years (from 10 years currently), with the possibility for Member States to reduce this to 10 years if the licence is also used as a national identity document. Licences for trucks and buses (professional drivers) will be valid for 5 years.
The revised rules place greater emphasis on improving driver training. The driving test will in future include checking knowledge of the risks related to blind spots, the operation of driver assistance systems and the dangers of using a mobile phone while driving. Particular attention will also be paid to awareness of the risks related to the presence of vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians and cyclists.
Through these regulations, the European Union is not only modernizing bureaucracy, but is also investing directly in the safety of its citizens, aiming to significantly reduce the number of road deaths.
The new regulations will enter into force after their publication in the Official Journal of the European Union, and Member States will have three to four years to transpose them into national law. Thus, we can expect these changes to be implemented progressively in the coming years.