Brussels proposes drastic changes to the driver’s license: obtaining at 17 years of age, digital permit and more

The European Commission has presented a series of proposals to improve driving license standards. These are intended improve road safety and help the European Union achieve the goal of zero deaths on the roads by 2050.

According to an official statement, the proposals have been prepared taking into account the best practices that are already underway in several Member States. The idea, as they explain, is to replace current legislation with these rules. Let’s see the main guidelines.

The new rules that the European Commission wants

digital driver’s license. Under the premise of “simplifying the recognition of driving licenses between Member States”, the Commission proposes the introduction of a unique and digital driving license. This will also open the door to make the related procedures online and much easier.

Start driving at age 17. The institution also welcomes the idea of ​​lowering the age for driving cars and trucks to 17 years. The idea is that they start driving early to “gain experience behind the wheel.” This means that they will not be able to drive alone at the age of 17, but must be accompanied.

cross-border controls. Another of Brussels’ objectives is to improve cross-border coordination. In this sense, it proposes that the control authorities can access the national registers of driving licenses and reinforce the role of the established national contact points so that they can better cooperate with the authorities.

Withdrawal in all EU countriesFrom the Commission they point out that “holding traffic offenders accountable in all Member States is essential for road safety”. Under this statement they seek to promote a new system that will cause serious offenders to lose their driving license in all Member States. Currently, the law only penalizes the driver in the state that issued the permit.

Images: DGT

In Xataka: “Those who drove an Opel Corsa yesterday will go by bus tomorrow”: Volkswagen and the future of the electric car in Europe