The directive on the European driving license adopted last week by the European Parliament provides for, among others: introduction of a trial period for novice drivers, which is to last at least two years. During this time, they will be subject to stricter regulations and penalties, as well as the principle of zero tolerance for alcohol or drugs. The new regulations are aimed at increasing road safety, but also at modernizing the driving license document.
– We have been working on the directive on the European driving license for four years and these regulations are much awaited in Poland and Europe. Firstly, they are introducing electronic driving licenses. We are meeting trends – young people have everything on their phones, so we have to respond to changing times – says Elżbieta Łukacijewska, Member of the European Parliament from the Civic Coalition, to the Newseria Biznes agency.
By 2030, the directive will introduce a digital driving license, while giving citizens full freedom to choose between an app and a physical card. Ultimately, the e-driving license, available on a mobile phone, is to become the main format of this document in the EU.
– We're increasing [z 3,5 t – red.] up to 4.25 t is the permissible weight of a vehicle that can be driven by category B drivers, considering that more and more users are buying electric cars and the electric battery is heavier – announces the MEP.
In addition, the new directive assumes that candidate drivers will have to pass a knowledge test on, among others: driver assistance systems or threats related to blind spots and using a phone behind the wheel. Greater emphasis in training and examinations will be placed on the risks associated with pedestrians, cyclists and other vulnerable road users.
According to the newly adopted regulations, 17-year-olds will be able to obtain a category B driving license, but until the age of 18 they will have to drive a car accompanied by an experienced driver. The age for obtaining driving licenses in other categories has also been lowered – 18-year-olds will be able to obtain a truck driving license (category C), and 21-year-olds to obtain a bus driving license (category D). However, as the EP explains, they will have to present a certificate of professional competence. Otherwise, drivers will have to be 21 and 24 years old respectively to drive these vehicles.
– This is a way to meet the needs of the transport market, because throughout Europe and in Poland we lack drivers in transport, both truck and city transport – says Elżbieta Łukacijewska. – Everyone was afraid of the issue of medical examinations, but ultimately it is the member states that will decide in what system and how often to conduct medical examinations, not officials from Brussels. And this is very important and very expected.
Before obtaining the first driving license or when applying for an extension of the validity period of the document, the driver should undergo medical examination, including: eyesight and circulatory system. Member countries will be able to decide to replace medical examinations for car or motorcycle drivers with a self-assessment form or another assessment developed at national level.
What is new is that EU regulations will introduce a trial period for newly licensed drivers. For at least two years after obtaining a driving license, they will be subject to stricter regulations and penalties, e.g. for driving under the influence of alcohol, not wearing seat belts or a child seat.
– When you pass your driving test, you are a new driver and you are under special supervision for two years, i.e. if you exceed the speed limit, alcohol or drugs, you lose your driving license. Generally, these regulations are intended to increase trust in drivers, says the MEP. – I think that for the first time we managed to include everything that will improve safety and draw attention to crimes, but also meets modernity and new needs.
The second document adopted by MEPs concerns the driving ban. As the EP explains, in order to reduce careless driving abroad and ensure cross-border enforcement of penalties, information on the withdrawal, suspension or restriction of a driving license will be transmitted to the EU country that issued the document. National authorities will have to inform each other without undue delay about decisions on driving bans imposed for the most serious road offenses. These include driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, causing a fatal accident or speeding, e.g. 50 km/h over the limit.
– It cannot happen that someone escapes from responsibility, violates the regulations in one Member State and may then violate these regulations in another Member State, so there will be a circulation of information, as well as the transfer of information between services – explains Elżbieta Łukacijewska.
Member States will have three years to implement the new rules into national law and then another year to prepare for their introduction.
The review of driving license regulations and driving bans is part of the pursuit of vision zero, i.e. a situation where there are no fatalities or serious injuries in road accidents. The European Union has set a deadline for this until 2050. The interim goal is to halve the number of victims by 2030.
– It also depends on us, on our reaction to whether our neighbor gets behind the wheel after drinking. Harsh penalties and zero tolerance. We are talking not only about alcohol, but also about consuming drugs, which is a real challenge for the police and all services. But above all, as Poles, we must change our mentality, not turn away when a crime is committed, but react and report such people, because it may end in the death of innocent people – appeals the MEP.
However, there is still a long way to go to achieve Vision Zero, although the number of road deaths is gradually decreasing. According to EC data, 19.8 thousand people died in accidents in 2024. people, by 3 percent less (600 people) compared to 2023. However, the Commission assesses this pace as too slow. In addition, the EU average masks large disparities between individual countries. Many are still far from reaching the interim target – slight declines in death tolls have recently been recorded in Greece, Spain, France and Italy, while increases have been recorded in Ireland and Estonia. Bulgaria, Denmark, Lithuania, Poland and Slovenia are on track to achieve the goal. In Romania, there has been a 21% increase since 2019. decline, but this country still has the highest fatality rate in the EU (77 deaths per 1 million inhabitants). The safest roads are in Sweden (20) and Denmark (24), and the EU average is 44 fatalities per million inhabitants.
