The European Parliament has approved changes to EU driving licence rules, paving the way for digital permits, tougher standards for new drivers and stronger cross-border enforcement of driving bans.

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The reform, adopted in Strasbourg on 21 October, is part of the EU’s effort to make roads safer and move towards its “Vision Zero” goal of eliminating road fatalities by 2050. Around 20,000 people die on EU roads each year.

Under the new directive, driving tests will have to cover blind spots, driver-assistance systems and the dangers of mobile phone distractions. There will also be a greater focus on protecting pedestrians, cyclists and children — a move MEPs say reflects the EU’s changing urban transport landscape.

Health checks and shorter licence terms

Car and motorbike licences will generally remain valid for 15 years, while truck and bus licences will last five. Member states may shorten those periods, particularly for older drivers or when the licence doubles as a national ID card.

Before receiving or renewing a licence, drivers will undergo a medical assessment that includes eyesight and cardiovascular checks. Countries may also introduce self-assessment systems instead.

Two-year probation for novice drivers

For the first time, EU law will impose a two-year probationary period on new drivers, during which stricter penalties will apply for drink-driving, failing to wear seatbelts or using a phone behind the wheel.

Seventeen-year-olds will be able to start driving cars if accompanied by an experienced driver until they turn 18. To tackle Europe’s chronic shortage of professional drivers, 18-year-olds will also be allowed to qualify for truck licences, and 21-year-olds for buses, provided they hold a certificate of professional competence.

Digital licences and cross-border bans

A digital driving licence, accessible on mobile phones, will gradually become the EU standard. Drivers will still be entitled to a physical card, which national authorities must issue promptly — in most cases within three weeks.

The new system will also ensure that driving bans and disqualifications are recognised across borders. Member states will be obliged to share information about serious offences, including drink- or drug-driving, fatal crashes and excessive speeding.

What it means for Slovak drivers

For Slovak motorists, one of the most practical changes concerns the renewal deadline for older licences. Driving licences issued between 1 May 2004 and 18 January 2013 must be replaced by 31 December 2032, in line with the new EU-wide validity rules.

The directive will enter into force 20 days after publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. Member states will have three years to transpose it into national law and a further year to prepare for full implementation.