EP FORMALLY APPROVED REVISED DRIVING LICENCE DIRECTIVE
On 21 October, the European Parliament formally adopted the revised Driving Licenses Directive, following the Council’s approval in September. This final step clears the path for the Directive’s publication in the Official Journal of the European Union, bringing important changes for the road freight transport sector.
Among the key measures is the reduction of the minimum age for obtaining a truck driving license from 21 to 18, provided the applicant holds a certificate of professional competence. Member States may also permit 17-year-olds to drive trucks or vans within their territory if accompanied by an experienced driver. This adjustment is designed to help alleviate the shortage of professional drivers by enabling younger individuals to enter the profession sooner. The Directive also establishes EU-wide recognition of driving licenses issued in exchange for licenses from third countries with road safety standards comparable to those of the EU, making it easier to integrate qualified drivers from outside the EU.
CLECAT has welcomed these developments, noting that the introduction of digital driving licenses will streamline administrative processes and enhance efficiency for both drivers and transport companies. The focus on flexibility, safety, and digitalisation is expected to contribute to a more robust and adaptable road freight transport system. Member States will now have three years to transpose these new provisions into national law, with an additional year to prepare for their full implementation.
Source: European Parliament