Editor’s Note
This article outlines the EU’s plan to introduce a digital driving license by 2030, accessible via a digital wallet on mobile devices. While a physical license will remain available, the shift marks a significant step in modernizing official documentation across Europe.
The first provision of this directive concerns the European driving license, which will become digital by 2030. It will be registered in a European digital identity wallet and thus accessible on a mobile phone and computer. It will still be possible to request the issuance of a physical driving license, particularly for individuals who do not own a smartphone and those who prefer or require a physical document (for example, for travel to third countries that do not recognize digital licenses).
To reduce dangerous driving behavior abroad, decisions to withdraw, suspend, or restrict a driving license issued by one country will apply across all EU member states. All information regarding these measures will be transmitted to the EU country that issued the license, which will be responsible for relaying it to other member states to ensure cross-border enforcement of penalties. The new system will cover decisions to revoke the right to drive related to the most serious traffic offenses, including driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, road homicide, or speeding exceeding the maximum permitted speed by 50 km/h or more.
The road code exam and the practical test will also evolve across all EU countries. The reform indeed plans to adjust training and testing requirements to place greater emphasis on the safety of the most vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians, cyclists, users of electric scooters, and other micromobility devices (electric scooters, monowheels, Segways, hoverboards…). The rules for issuing licenses will also consider the technical advancements of vehicles. The assessment of knowledge related to advanced driver-assistance systems and other automated technologies will now be an integral part of the test program for obtaining the precious permit in European countries.
Driving licenses will be valid for 15 years for motorcycles and cars, with the possibility for member states to reduce this period to 10 years if a driving license is used as a national identity document. Licenses required for driving buses and heavy goods vehicles will have a validity period of 5 years. Each state may also shorten these durations for drivers aged 65 or older so that they undergo medical check-ups or refresher courses. Before obtaining a first license or when applying for renewal, the driver must undergo a medical check-up that will include ophthalmological and cardiovascular examinations. However, EU countries will be free to choose to replace the medical check-up for car or motorcycle drivers with self-assessment forms or other nationally designed assessment systems.