The EU is taking on driving licenses. Get ready for new requirements
The European Parliament adopted a draft amendment to the regulations on issuing driving licenses. This means huge changes for drivers, although the biggest controversy has been removed.
Soon, the regulations will change not only regarding the issuance of driving licenses, but also to those who have already acquired driving licenses. This is the result of new changes to the regulations adopted by the European Parliament. However, the most controversial idea discussed was ultimately not included in the regulations, reports Dziennik Gazeta Prawna.
The EU abandons the controversial change
During the talks on the draft changes, the most controversial issue was the provision according to which drivers over 70 years of age were to undergo mandatory health checks. These were to determine whether they were still able to drive. If the result was negative, their licenses were to be revoked so that they would not pose a risk on the roads. Moreover, retirees were to receive the document only for 5 years. Ultimately, these provisions were not included in the adopted draft.
So what will change? First of all, the driving license, i.e. the document itself, must be valid for at least 15 years or 5 years in the case of trucks and buses. After this time, drivers must determine their ability to continue driving. Importantly, individual countries can define their own, more stringent regulations in this matter, which will require, for example, medical examinations.
A lot will change for beginner drivers. The EU wants them to be subject to greater control for two years. During this time, they will be treated more strictly than experienced drivers, which means, among other things, lower blood alcohol limits and higher penalties for non-compliance. At the same time, 18-year-olds will be able to obtain driving licenses to drive trucks or buses with a maximum of 16 passengers. This is intended to be a solution to the problem of the shortage of professional drivers.
Finally, the driving test will also change. The EU wants to check drivers’ knowledge, among others, in the safe use of the telephone, the use of assistance systems, the blind spot phenomenon, and driving on slippery surfaces.
