Driver's licenses in the EU: new rules, penalties and changes for drivers
Kyiv • UNN
The EU has agreed on changes to the rules for issuing driver's licenses, strengthened penalties for serious violations that will apply in all EU countries. Digital rights are also being introduced and the age for bus drivers is being lowered.
An agreement has been reached in the EU with the European Parliament on changes to the driving licence directive. It is expected to strengthen the punishment for drivers for serious violations. However, there are also a number of concessions.
UNN reports with reference to Polska Agencja and Deutsche Presse-Agentur.
The new EU driving licence rules stipulate that in the event of serious accidents, the revocation of driving licences will extend to all 27 EU member states. The European Parliament will return to negotiations on this topic on Wednesday evening.
Context
There is mutual recognition of driving licences between EU countries, but there is no common withdrawal. The idea is that the withdrawal of a driving licence from a citizen of one country in another EU member state will be respected throughout the EU.
The relevant decision will be recorded in the Resper system and will be visible in other countries.
Other decisions: changes regarding individual categories of vehicles, driving licences and medical tests
The EU will not require mandatory medical tests before obtaining a driving licence. However, the EU will be given the opportunity to make medical tests mandatory at the national level if they deem it necessary. On this issue, representatives of the European Parliament and the governments of the member states have yet to agree.
The Polish Presidency and the European Parliament have agreed on a fifteen-year validity period for driving licences of categories A and B throughout the EU.
No later than 2030, uniform digital driving licences must be introduced for all EU citizens.
They also agreed to lower the minimum age for category D drivers (i.e. buses) from 23 to 21 for holders of an accelerated certificate of professional qualification. The decision is related to the shortage of professional drivers, writes PAP.
Another element of the pan-European reform is the spread of the practice of driving accompanied throughout the European Union. Young drivers should be able to gain driving experience under supervision at an earlier age.
It is also about a probationary period for new drivers, regardless of age
It is about establishing a two-year probationary period. Every new driver will face stricter penalties for traffic violations during the first two years.
In the future, drivers of two-wheeled vehicles will be able to drive their light motorcycles with an engine capacity of up to 125 cubic centimeters abroad (this refers to category B-196). Currently, the regulation is only recognized at the national level.
Let us remind you
Ukrainians are actively using the service of replacing driving licences through 'Diia'. The service is available for various needs, including the expiration of the term.
