Brussels/EU-wide – The recent reform of EU driving license regulations does not make health tests for older drivers mandatory. This decision was reached in an agreement between the European Parliament and member states late Tuesday, contrary to the proposal from the EU Commission. In the future, driving licenses will be valid for 15 years instead of the current ten, although for those over 65, this period may be shortened. Additionally, new drivers will face stricter regulations.
Member states are obliged to assess the driving fitness of individuals during both the initial issuance and renewal of licenses. While countries can mandate a medical examination upon renewal, it remains optional. This stance against mandatory health checks has been consistent among the negotiating parties for over a year, allowing individual EU states to make their own decisions regarding such requirements.
Need for Harmonization and Modernization
Jutta Paulus (Greens), the rapporteur for the EU Parliament, stated in an online press briefing on Tuesday, “It was essential to update this driving license directive, as the previous one was over 20 years old and many issues had accumulated.” She emphasized the necessity for harmonization and modernization, noting that the reform simplifies procedures significantly. For instance, driving licenses can now be issued digitally, which is particularly advantageous for younger generations accustomed to smartphones. Nevertheless, applicants still have the option to request a physical ID.
The agreement removes the requirement for medical institutions to report driver fitness to licensing authorities, although EU states may implement such measures at the national level. Vision tests are mandatory for first-time applicants but will remain optional for renewals. The reform also introduces a two-year probationary period for new drivers across the EU, with stricter penalties for violations related to alcohol or drugs. Notably, a blood alcohol limit of 0.0 percent will apply universally in all EU countries.
To address the shortage of professional drivers, the minimum age for obtaining a truck driver’s license has been lowered from 21 to 18, and for a bus driver’s license from 24 to 21, provided the applicant possesses a certificate of professional competence. Additionally, EU countries may allow 17-year-olds to operate trucks or transporters only when accompanied by a qualified driver. The legislative change still requires final approval from the European Parliament and the council of EU states before taking effect following its publication in the EU Official Journal.
Positive Reactions from Austria
Sophia Kircher, transport spokeswoman for the ÖVP in the European Parliament and vice-chair of the transport committee, remarked, “After lengthy negotiations, we successfully avoided unnecessary new regulations and burdens for obtaining and retaining driving licenses. We have also managed to block proposals for mandatory health checks for all license holders that could have resulted in license revocation.”
Ingrid Korosec, president of the senior citizens’ association, expressed satisfaction with this outcome, stating, “The effort was worthwhile. This is a significant win against the discrimination of older citizens and sends a crucial message against age bias. Driving ability should be determined by individual health, not age.”
Ursula Zelenka, a legal expert from ÖAMTC, called the raising of weight limits for Class B licenses a “milestone,” noting the new allowances for volunteer services like rescue operations to drive vehicles up to five tons and heavy trailers without a truck license. However, she also lamented the lack of a unified license category for agricultural vehicles. (28.03.25)
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