The European Commission wants to introduce a digital driving license that is valid throughout the EU.
The European Commission has today presented proposals to modernize driving license rules. Last year, more than 20.000 people died on EU roads, with pedestrians, cyclists and users of scooters and motorcycles mostly dead. The new rules will improve safety for all road users and help the EU achieve its Vision Zero: no fatalities on EU roads by 2050.
Examples of the proposals are:
- A probationary period of at least 2 years for novice drivers and a zero-tolerance rule for drunk driving.
- Better preparing drivers for zero-emission vehicles and for driving on city roads, in addition to more bicycles and two-wheelers, and with many pedestrians in the area.
- Have young people from the age of 17 take an exam and drive cars and trucks under supervision to gain driving experience.
- Adjustment of driver training and tests to better prepare drivers for the presence of vulnerable road users.
- A more focused assessment of medical fitness.
De Europese Commissie also wants to introduce a digital driver's license that is valid throughout the EU. Renewing, replacing or redeeming these is much easier when the procedures are online. They also want new provisions to facilitate the enforcement of traffic rules across borders and provide access to national driving license registers. The Commission is also proposing to strengthen the role of established national contact points to better cooperate with enforcement authorities involved in the investigation of criminal offences.
They also want to expand the scope of traffic violations. Currently, only some of the most common offenses committed by offenders from other Member States, such as speeding and drunk driving, are covered by the current law. These additions will help to reduce impunity for such offenses and improve the ability of Member States to punish offenders from other Member States. The European Commission reports that the proposals will now be dealt with by the European Parliament and the Council under the ordinary legislative procedure.
