EU driving license: This will change soon

Anyone who loses their driving license abroad will no longer be allowed to drive a vehicle at home either. The EU Parliament has approved these and other measures. Read the details here.

On October 23, 2025, the European Parliament adopted a comprehensive reform of driving licence law . These changes are part of the so-called Fourth EU Driving Licence Directive and are intended to create more road safety, digital modernisation and better European cooperation.

For tradespeople and all professional drivers, the standardization of the driving license system, new age limits , and easier cross-border mobility are particularly important. Here are the measures in detail:

Digital driver's license  

By 2030 at the latest, a digital driving licence will be introduced in all EU member states , accessible via smartphone. It will be part of the European Digital Identity Wallet (EUDI Wallet) and therefore valid throughout the EU . Those who wish can continue to keep their traditional card-style driving licence – both versions are equivalent . The digital driving licence is intended to reduce administrative costs and simplify the process of issuing a new one in case of loss or when moving to another EU country.

EU-wide driving bans 

In the future, anyone who loses their driver's license in one EU country due to serious traffic violations will no longer be allowed to drive in any EU country . Until now, such a sanction ended at national borders.

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New rules for vans

Those holding a Class B driver's license will, after completing special safety training, be permitted to drive vehicles up to 4,25 tons . Previously, the limit was 3,5 tons. This adjustment takes into account the increased weight of modern vehicles with batteries or superstructures and is particularly relevant for tradespeople who use transport vehicles .

Validity period of driving licenses

Driving licenses for cars and motorcycles will generally be valid for 15 years in the future . EU member states may reduce this to ten years if the license also serves as an identity document. Driving licenses for trucks and buses will remain valid for five years .

From the age of 65, member states can set shorter deadlines or additional medical examinations to check older drivers. However, there are no mandatory health checks for seniors at the EU level – these are to be decided solely at the national level.

New age limits for professional drivers

To counteract the shortage of skilled drivers, the minimum age for truck drivers is being lowered from 21 to 18 , provided they have completed the required training. For bus drivers, the minimum age is being reduced from 24 to 21. This measure aims to make it easier for young people to enter the driving profession, while simultaneously ensuring safety through targeted training.

New rules for novice drivers and training

The probationary period for all new drivers will henceforth last at least two years . Driver training will place new emphasis on key areas, particularly road safety. Test candidates will now have to demonstrate that they can recognize the dangers of blind spots, use driver assistance systems correctly, and understand the risks of using a mobile phone while driving. Furthermore, future drivers will receive greater training in the safety of pedestrians, children, and cyclists.

Expansion of accompanied driving

The supervised driving model, previously widespread primarily in Germany, will now be recognized EU-wide . Under EU standards, young people will be allowed to drive with an experienced supervisor from the age of 17. This regulation aims to improve the driving skills of young people and reduce the number of accidents.

Implementation and transition periods

Member States now have three years to transpose the new rules into national law . An additional one-year transition period then applies for practical implementation. This means that all new provisions must be legally and technically implemented by 2029 at the latest , before the digital EU driving licence is launched in 2030.

Significance for craft businesses

The new EU regulations are particularly relevant for craft businesses with their own fleet of vehicles or regional delivery services . The simplified data exchange between member states makes it easier to prove driver's licenses for assignments abroad. Lowering the age limits can also help to train and employ young people more easily. The digital driver's license saves administrative time, as it can be replaced electronically in case of loss or a name change.

The advisors at the Chambers of Crafts will be happy to help you with any legal questions!

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