European Union member states to introduce digital driving license by 2030

Physical copies will still be available under new rules

Life

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The European Parliament and member states have reached an agreement on a revision of the driving license directive. This states, among other things, that all EU countries must introduce a digital driving license by 2030 at the latest.

Driving licenses will also remain valid for 15 years, although member states may choose to limit validity for those over 65.

Further, there will be stricter penalties at the European level for new drivers who get behind the wheel under the influence of drink or drugs, for example.

The digital driving license does not herald the end of the physical copy, which will also remain valid for 15 years, although member states can choose to limit validity for those over 65.

“The new driving license directive makes people’s lives simpler, more digital and flexible. It also reduces bureaucracy. At the same time, we are sending a clear signal for more road safety in line with Vision Zero: fewer accidents, fewer injuries and fewer deaths on our roads,” said Jutta Paulus, MEP from the Green Group.

Stricter rules for new drivers

What else is in the agreement? First, there will be uniform rules on the skills new drivers must have. To qualify for a driver’s license, a driver must learn about safe phone use while driving, blind spot risks, driver assistance systems, opening doors safely and driving in snow and slippery conditions.

There is further agreement on a probationary period of at least two years for new drivers. Novice drivers will be subject to stricter rules and penalties for such things as driving under the influence of alcohol and driving without seat belts. However, member states are free to decide how to handle this.

In addition, the minimum age to obtain a truck driver’s license will drop to 18 and that for a bus driver’s license to 21.

Finally, there will be no general zero tolerance for alcohol and drugs on the road. However, member states are encouraged to introduce one.

Business AM

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