Seniors: Sad news for drivers over 70… Show more
The new validity period applies from the next driving licence renewal, which is after five, ten, or twenty years, depending on the case. Holders of older driving licences therefore do not have to exchange them immediately. They can continue to use them until the renewal date.
The reform also includes special provisions for drivers over 65. Member states can shorten the validity period of their driving licences and require more frequent medical examinations or refresher courses. However, this measure is not mandatory: each country is free to implement it.
The reform also includes changes to the procedure for obtaining or renewing a driving licence. Members of the European Parliament want to introduce medical examinations, including ophthalmological and cardiovascular examinations, to confirm that drivers have the necessary physical fitness for safe driving.
However, here too, member states retain some flexibility. They can choose to replace this medical examination with a self-assessment system or other nationally established assessment methods. In practice, the medical examination will therefore not be systematically mandatory in Europe.
The driving test itself is expected to become more demanding. Candidates will be assessed based on new aspects related to the development of modern driving techniques. Additional questions and exercises will cover topics such as the dangers of blind spots, the use of driver assistance systems, safely opening car doors to avoid collisions with cyclists, and the risks of distraction from mobile phone use.
European authorities also want to raise awareness among the most vulnerable road users. Training programs must place greater emphasis on the risks to pedestrians, children, cyclists, and users of scooters and other means of transport.
Sanctions also apply abroad
Another important aspect of the reform concerns offenses committed abroad. Until now, some drivers have been able to evade punishment by committing an offense in another European country.
Member States must now improve the exchange of information to combat this form of impunity.
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