EU Tightens Driving Licence Rules to Reduce Road Fatalities Across Member States

Brussels, October 2025: The European Union has adopted new driving licence regulations aimed at significantly reducing road fatalities. With nearly 20,000 deaths annually, the bloc is pursuing its long-term goal of Vision Zero — zero road deaths and serious injuries by 2050.

The reform introduces digital licences, cross-border penalties, stricter learner tests, and enhanced safety measures for drivers of all ages.

Current Road Safety Situation

According to the latest European Commission data, 19,940 people died in road accidents in 2024, a 2% decrease from 2023 and a 12% drop since 2019. Despite some progress, fatalities remain uneven across EU countries:

• Safest roads: Sweden (20 deaths per million), Malta (21), Denmark (24)
• Highest fatalities: Romania (78) and Bulgaria (74 deaths per million)
• Germany: 33 deaths per million, below EU average of 45

Poland achieved the largest decline since 2019, reducing fatalities by 35% to 52 per million. In contrast, Spain and Portugal continue to face higher rates, with distracted driving and aging drivers as key concerns.

Key Changes in the EU Driving Licence Rules

The new EU regulations include:

• Introduction of digital driving licences for faster verification and cross-border validity
• Cross-border penalties for serious traffic offences such as drink-driving or extreme speeding
• Maximum licence validity of 15 years for cars and motorcycles, reduced to 10 years where used as ID
• Lower minimum age for professional drivers: 18 for trucks, 21 for buses
• Enhanced learner tests with focus on mobile distraction, blind spots, driver assistance systems, and pedestrian/cyclist safety
• Two-year probationary period for new drivers with stricter rules and penalties
• Accompanied driving expansion to allow young drivers supervised driving at earlier ages

Member states retain flexibility regarding age-based medical checks, ensuring minimal bureaucracy while maintaining safety standards.

Special Measures for Cyclists and Young Drivers

Countries with unique transport challenges are implementing tailored measures:

• Netherlands: Bicycle safety plans, speed regulation experiments, and mandatory helmets for electric bike riders under 18
• Sweden: Updated regulations for A-tractor replacement vehicles for teens, allowing driving up to 45 km/h
• Portugal: Revalidation rules for older drivers and specific regulations for mopeds and agricultural vehicles

Timeline for Implementation

The rules will take effect on the 20th day after publication in the Official Journal of the EU. Member states have:

• Three years to incorporate the regulations into national law
• One additional year for full practical implementation

EU authorities aim to make digital licences the main format while keeping physical licences available on request. Some countries, like Germany, face IT integration challenges, while others, such as Bulgaria, are already preparing digital systems.

The EU’s reform is a landmark effort to harmonize safety standards, leverage technology, and reduce road fatalities across the bloc.

Source: AFP, ANP, BTA, CTK, dpa, EFE, Lusa, PAP, STA, Tanjug, TT – European Newsroom (enr)