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EU Council agreement on new driving license rules

by AI | 25.Mar 2025 | Europe in brief AI

The European Commission welcomes the provisional agreement reached between the European Parliament and the Council regarding its initiative to modernize the EU driving license rules.

The building of the EU Council, in Brussels.

The European Commission welcomes the provisional agreement reached between the European Parliament and the Council regarding its initiative to modernize the EU driving license rules, aimed at improving road safety in Europe, as nearly 20,000 lives are lost annually on EU roads, according to European Commission statistics.

The new, modernized driving license directive was announced today by the EU, stating that the European Commission welcomes the provisional agreement between the European Parliament and the Council on the new rules aimed at reducing the number of accidents on EU roads and reducing the undue burden for citizens and authorities associated with administrative procedures.

Digital Driving License

Among the new features introduced is the EU digital driving license directive, which will be accessible from mobile phones or other digital devices and used across the EU. To achieve this, the Commission is oriented towards establishing a legal framework from all countries to have a mutually recognized driving license, something that will be delayed as it will be implemented by 2030.

New Drivers and Trial Period

Establishment of an EU-wide accompanied driving system for 17-year-old drivers, “a measure that has significantly improved road safety. This system can also be extended to 18-year-old truck drivers under certain conditions,” as pointed out by the Commission.

The new directive also includes “a trial period across the EU for novice drivers, a measure aimed at reducing the risk of accidents among young drivers. Given that 2 in 5 fatal collisions involve drivers under 30, this measure is particularly important. Additionally, the directive will introduce new requirements regarding physical and mental driving capability.”

Commissioner for Transport Apostolos Tzitzikostas expressed his satisfaction with the agreement, emphasizing that “these updated rules for driving licenses mark a significant step forward in modernizing the driving license system and enhancing road safety throughout the EU. From introducing digital driving licenses to measures that support new drivers, this agreement paves the way for a more accessible, efficient, and safer mobility system. Most importantly, it will help us reduce fatalities on EU roads.”

The European Parliament and the Council will now formally approve the new directive, which will come into effect 20 days after its publication in the Official Journal of the EU. Member states will have four years to transpose the directive into their national law. (25/3/2025)