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REPORT (COM(2023)0127 – C90035/2023 – 2023/0053(COD))

On the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on driving licences, amending Directive (EU) 2022/2561 of the European Parliament and of the Council, Regulation (EU) 2018/1724 of the European Parliament and of the Council and repealing Directive 2006/126/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council and Commission Regulation (EU) No 383/2012

A-9-2023-0445

Committee on Transport and Tourism · Rapporteur: Karima Delli

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Parliament's amended version of the proposed directive on driving licences updates EU rules on licence categories, issuance, validity, and mutual recognition, aiming to improve road safety and support the green and digital transitions. It introduces mobile driving licences alongside physical ones, sets new minimum ages and probationary periods, and strengthens medical fitness checks and training requirements. The text also extends licence validity to heavier alternatively fuelled vehicles and ambulances, and includes provisions for accompanied driving and novice driver penalties.

Committee position. The Committee on Transport and Tourism proposes to amend the Commission's proposal extensively, introducing mobile licences, new age limits, and stricter medical checks, among other changes.

Key points

  1. From four years after adoption, applicants are issued both a mobile and a physical driving licence by default, but may renounce either format and request it later.
  2. All physical driving licences must meet new requirements by 19 January 2033.
  3. Minimum ages are set at 16 for categories AM, A1, B1 and T; 18 for C, CE, D1 and D1E with a CPC; and 21 for D and DE with a CPC.
  4. Category B licences become valid after two years for alternatively fuelled vehicles up to 4 250 kg and for ambulances up to 4 250 kg.
  5. A probationary period of at least two years applies to novice drivers, with stricter penalties for alcohol, drugs, speeding, and other offences.
  6. Accompanied driving is allowed from age 17 for categories B, C and C1, with conditions on the accompanying person.
  7. Medical examinations are required for issuing and renewing licences, replacing self-assessment, and must be based on reasoned medical opinion.
  8. Driving tests must cover new topics including eco-driving, interaction with vulnerable road users, and use of advanced driver assistance systems.
  9. Member States are encouraged to include road safety training in school curricula and may use revenues from cross-border enforcement to fund it.
  10. The Commission may adopt delegated acts to update mass thresholds for alternatively fuelled vehicles and ambulances based on periodic reports.

Who is affected

  • Driving licence applicants and holders across the EU, who will receive both physical and mobile licences and face new age and probationary rules.
  • Professional drivers of trucks and buses, who may obtain licences at younger ages if they hold a Certificate of Professional Competence.
  • Drivers of alternatively fuelled vehicles and ambulances, who benefit from extended licence validity for heavier vehicles.
  • Driving examiners and instructors, who must meet updated training and quality assurance standards.
  • General practitioners and medical authorities, who will conduct medical fitness assessments and may need online training.

Figures and deadlines

  • 19 January 2033: deadline for all physical driving licences to meet new requirements.
  • 16 years: minimum age for categories AM, A1, B1 and T.
  • 18 years: minimum age for categories C, CE, D1 and D1E with a CPC.
  • 21 years: minimum age for categories D and DE with a CPC.
  • 4 250 kg: maximum authorised mass for alternatively fuelled vehicles and ambulances drivable with a category B licence after two years.
  • 0.2 g/mL: blood alcohol level threshold for novice drivers.
  • 2 weeks: maximum time to issue or reissue a driving licence format.

Legal basis: Article 91(1) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union