The Union mixes in the rights. What will change for Polish drivers?

The end of indefinite rights, mandatory medical examinations and the possibility of driving a car by 17-year-olds-these are changes resulting from the new European Commission Directive. At least straight, however, it will not change much in the life of Polish drivers. Legislative work in Poland has been going on for a long time, and some of the changes proposed by the European Commission have long come into force.

The new European Commission Directive includes The provisions on compulsory medical examinations, but they will not only apply to drivers over the age of 70, which was announced two years ago.

The tests will have to undergo driving license drivers. These, in turn, can be issued for a maximum of 15 years. However, the decision to issue a document with a shorter expiry date will be made by not officials, but doctors. If the doctor decides that for health reasons a given driver “deserves” a driving license for a shorter time, he will be able to issue such a decision.

However, this is nothing new for Polish drivers. Driving licenses on the Vistula are no longer issued indefinitely. What's more, all documents previously issued previously will have to be listed by 2033 at the latest. After replacement, new documents will apply for 15 years. Importantly, during this forced exchange, drivers will not have to undergo additional medical examinations.

Seniors dangerous? No more than young drivers

Will older drivers exchanging their indefinite driving licenses have to undergo additional tests? This directive does not regulate, giving Member States freedom of action. Therefore, it is possible that over the next three years (exchange of indefinite driving licenses will start in 2028), seniors will fall obligation to obtain an appropriate receipt from a doctor.

Importantly, according to the data of the Polish police in 2024, the oldest drivers are rarely caused by accidents. The number of accidents per 10,000 people, in the case of drivers over the age of 60, was 3.89. For drivers between 40 and 59 years old it was 5.55, for drivers from 25 to 39 – 7.22. Most often, accidents were caused by the youngest drivers between 18 and 24 years old. In their case, the factor was 11.79.

17-year-olds behind the wheel, but carefully

The Directive will also introduce the possibility of obtaining powers to drive vehicles by 17-year-olds, as was the case in Poland until 2002. This provision is already processed in Poland, and changes can come into force in summer. The ricochet will also affect adult novices behind the “circle”.

After the changes, for people who first obtained a category B driving license, the trial period will last two years, and in the case of juvenile from receiving the driving license to the age of 20, up to three years old.

In the trial period, all drivers will be covered by more severe regulations – a ban on drinking alcohol or alcohol -like agents, driving faster than 50 km/HW built -in and 80 km/h outside it and 100 km/h on highways and expressways. During the trial period you will not be able to work on the transport of people – both as a taxi driver and in the occasional transport.

Juvenile drivers will not be able to take another minor passenger themselves – they will have to be accompanied by an adult experienced driver.

Mkz

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