EU Revamps Driving Licence Rules

In a significant legislative update, the European Parliament is set to approve revised EU driving licence rules aimed at enhancing road safety across the Union. The announcement came ahead of a detailed press briefing scheduled for October 21, 2025, involving key Parliament rapporteurs.

Parliament rapporteurs Jutta Paulus from Germany and Matteo Ricci from Italy will elaborate on the new measures during a press conference in the European Parliament in Strasbourg. The updated regulations include stricter requirements for learner drivers, a digital driving licence accessible via smartphones, and a mandatory probationary period for new drivers.

The overhaul, prompted by the nearly 20,000 annual road fatalities in the EU, introduces comprehensive changes. New drivers must now be educated about blind spots, the risks of phone use while driving, and the importance of vigilance towards pedestrians and cyclists. Additionally, the legislation allows for the issuance of professional truck and bus driving licences at lowered age thresholds, aiming to streamline entry into the transport industry while ensuring drivers meet stringent safety standards.

The press conference, accessible both in-person and online via the Interactio platform, will also address the enforcement of penalties across EU borders, ensuring that suspensions or restrictions on driving licences are recognized and applied EU-wide. This initiative is part of a broader road safety package introduced by the European Commission in March 2023, targeting a significant reduction in road fatalities by 2050.