The European Commission on Wednesday published its implementation strategy for new directives aimed at modernising EU rules on driving licences and driving disqualifications.
According to the Commission, the initiatives are designed to improve road safety across the European Union, reduce the number of road fatalities and ease unnecessary administrative burdens for both citizens and public authorities.
The implementation strategy is intended to support member states as they introduce the new EU rules on driving licences and driving bans.
Among the key reforms are the introduction of an EU-wide system of accompanied driving for 17-year-olds, a probationary period for new drivers and more systematic assessments of drivers' fitness to drive.
The Commission said the new rules will also update driver training and testing requirements to place greater emphasis on protecting vulnerable road users.
These include pedestrians, cyclists and users of personal mobility devices.
Digital driving licences and EU-wide driving bans
The implementation strategy also sets out the key steps for introducing EU digital driving licences.
In addition, it provides for the EU-wide recognition of driving disqualifications.
The Commission said the measure is intended to ensure that drivers who commit serious road traffic offences are held accountable whether they are driving in their home country or in another EU member state.
To support implementation, the Commission will adopt a structured approach to assisting member states.
This will include guidance documents, technical exchanges, cross-border cooperation projects, implementing and delegated acts, templates, mutual learning initiatives and risk-based monitoring.
Road safety
The Commission described road safety as a major societal challenge, noting that an estimated 19,400 people were killed on EU roads in 2025.
The EU's long-term Vision Zero strategy aims to eliminate road deaths by 2050, with an interim target of reducing fatalities by 50% by 2030.
The Commission stressed that improving road safety is a shared responsibility between the EU and its member states.
While national and local authorities are responsible for most day-to-day road safety measures, the EU contributes through common rules covering infrastructure, vehicle safety, driver testing and licensing.
The Commission also coordinates cross-border cooperation between national authorities, promotes the exchange of best practice and provides funding for road safety projects across the bloc.
Source: CNA
