The European Commission and Parliament have reached a preliminary agreement to modernize EU driving license laws. The reform focuses on safer roads, simpler procedures, and better adaptation to the digital age. Key updates include a fully digital driving license, stricter rules for new drivers, and stronger protection for pedestrians and cyclists.
One of the biggest innovations will be the digital driving license, available directly on your smartphone or another device. It will be integrated into the EU Digital Identity Wallet, making renewals and exchanges between EU countries much easier.
Physical licenses won’t disappear completely — those who prefer them, or need them when traveling outside the EU, will still be able to request a card version. After a short transition period, however, the digital version will become the new European standard.
The reform introduces a “driving with a mentor” program for 17-year-olds. Studies show that supervised driving significantly reduces accident risks among young people.
This system will apply not only to car drivers (category B) but, under certain conditions, also to young truck drivers (categories C1, C1E, and C). The goal is also to help tackle Europe’s shortage of professional drivers.
At the same time, the EU wants new drivers to take more responsibility. Currently, 40% of all fatal accidents in the EU involve people under 30. That’s why the new directive will introduce a two-year probation period for all new license holders.
During this period, they’ll face stricter traffic rules and tougher penalties for violations — all to prevent accidents caused by inexperience and risky behavior behind the wheel.
Under the new rules, drivers will regularly need to assess their physical and mental fitness to drive. Before getting or renewing a license, everyone will complete a self-assessment of their health.
Member States may also require extra checks for those who could pose safety risks — such as elderly drivers or people with medical conditions affecting their ability to drive.
The updated rules place greater emphasis on the safety of vulnerable road users — pedestrians, cyclists, and people using e-scooters.
Driving exams will include questions and tasks related to the risks these groups face and how to avoid accidents involving them. The aim is to boost awareness and empathy among drivers and make Europe’s roads safer for everyone.
With cars becoming smarter and more digital, the EU wants driving exams to reflect that. Tests will now check whether drivers understand modern safety systems, like emergency braking or lane-keeping assistance.
Candidates will also need to demonstrate they can drive electric and hybrid vehicles, supporting the EU’s green transition in transport.
To make the process more inclusive, people who live in another EU country will be allowed to take the driving test in their own national language. This measure aims to remove language barriers and make it easier for mobile EU citizens to get a license abroad.
Under the new directive, holders of a category B license will be allowed to drive alternative-fuel vehicles (like electric vans) weighing up to 4.25 tons instead of the current 3.5-ton limit.
This change recognizes that low-emission vehicles are often heavier than traditional ones and aims to encourage greener transport options.
The EU will also start recognizing driving licenses from selected non-EU countries, provided their road safety systems meet European standards.
Until now, a driver who exchanged their license in one EU country often had to reapply when moving to another. The reform will eliminate this problem, making mobility across Europe smoother and easier.
Once published in the EU Official Journal, the new rules will take effect after 20 days, and Member States will have four years to implement them into national law.
This reform is part of the EU’s broader “Vision Zero” strategy, which aims to completely eliminate road deaths by 2050.
Currently, around 20,000 people die on EU roads each year. With these new measures, the EU hopes to cut that number by half by 2030 — and make the dream of safe, smart, and sustainable mobility across Europe a reality.
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