The European Union has announced comprehensive plans to implement standardized digital driving licenses across member states by 2030, building upon its broader Digital Identity Regulation framework that came into force in 2023. The initiative marks a major step forward in the EU’s digital transformation strategy and follows similar successful implementations in other regions, including Queensland’s digital license program that reached 500,000 users in early 2024.
Under the new regulations, digital driving licenses will be stored in the European Digital Identity Wallet, which is being developed with robust cybersecurity certifications and will be accessible via smartphones. Member states will have five and a half years to implement this digital format after the legislation takes effect, allowing time for necessary technical infrastructure development and standardization.
The initiative includes several key changes to existing licensing procedures. A mandatory probationary period of at least two years will be introduced for new drivers, and member states are being encouraged to adopt zero-tolerance policies regarding alcohol and drug use while driving.
Professional driving license requirements are also being modified. The minimum age for obtaining heavy goods vehicle licenses will be reduced from 21 to 18 years, while bus driver licenses will require a minimum age of 21, down from 24. These changes are contingent upon drivers holding certificates of professional competence. Additionally, some member states will have the option to allow supervised driving of lorries and vans by 17-year-olds.
The new framework establishes specific validity periods for different license categories. Car and motorcycle licenses will remain valid for 15 years until the driver reaches age 70, after which renewal will be required every five years with a medical examination. Commercial vehicle licenses for heavy goods vehicles and buses will require renewal every five years, with potential shortened validity periods for drivers over 65.
“These revised rules on driving licences are an excellent example of how widespread digitalisation is in the lives of Europeans,” said Polish Infrastructure Minister Dariusz Klimczak. “Thanks to this update, the rules on the issuing of driving licences will be smarter, more inclusive and fully adapted to our digital society.”
The regulations aim to harmonize license issuing procedures across member states and strengthen mutual recognition of driving licenses throughout the EU, including their digital formats. The standardization follows similar trends in other regions, such as the United States, where multiple states have already implemented digital driver’s licenses through platforms like Apple Wallet.
The implementation will benefit from lessons learned in various pilot programs and existing digital license initiatives worldwide, including successful deployments in Australia and ongoing projects in North America. The EU’s approach matches global best practices while meeting the specific requirements of European digital identity regulations.
Sources: Polskie Radio, Delano, EUR-Lex
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