In October 2025, regulations were approved to improve road safety throughout the European Union. Member countries have three years to adapt their local legislation. Here are all the new developments, which will be gradually implemented with the aim of improving road safety.
Driving licence valid for 15 years
New requirements for obtaining a driving licence have been established: the syllabus will include knowledge of blind spots, driver assistance systems, safe door opening and the risks of distraction from using a mobile phone while driving. Future drivers will also be made aware of the risks associated with pedestrians, children, cyclists and other vulnerable road users.
Driving licences for cars and motorcycles will be valid for fifteen years, which may be limited to ten years in cases where they are also used as identity cards. Licences for lorries and buses will be valid for five years. The validity of licences for drivers over 65 years of age may be limited by national traffic authorities. Tests to obtain or renew a driving licence will include a medical examination that includes vision and cardiovascular tests. Member States may replace the medical examination with other systems designed at national level.
Digital or physical licence, at the driver’s discretion
The electronic version of the driving licence, accessible from the holder’s mobile phone, will become the default format for licences in the coming years. Drivers will have the right to request a physical licence, which must be issued within approximately three weeks.
Withdrawal of driving licence valid throughout the EU
Penalties involving the withdrawal, suspension or restriction of a driving licence will be transferred to the country that issued the licence, thus ensuring their cross-border enforcement. The aim of this rule is to ensure that the most serious offences are punished in a uniform and effective manner throughout the EU, in order to reduce reoffending and improve road safety for all drivers.
Two-year probationary period for new drivers
Penalties for drink-driving are being tightened for new drivers, whose probationary period will be at least two years. Seventeen-year-olds will be able to obtain a driving licence, but must be accompanied by an experienced driver until they reach the age of 18.
The age for obtaining a licence to drive lorries is reduced to 18 for people who hold a certificate of professional competence (21 in the case of buses). Without this certificate, the licence can be obtained at the age of 21 (24 for buses).