On February 28, 2024, MEPs were called to vote on the revision of the driving license, the first since 2006, with a view to halving the number of deaths and injuries on the roads by 2030. The European Parliament adopted the review report by 339 votes to 240 but rejected the flagship measure aimed at imposing a compulsory medical check-up every 15 years on all drivers.
Among the measures adopted, driving tests to obtain a driving license must include training in driving in winter conditions, safe use of the telephone while driving, blind spots, assistance systems to the driver.
A harmonization of the rules is also planned for the situation of young drivers on the French model (probationary license, reduced blood alcohol level, etc.)
But above all, MEPs refused to reduce the validity of driving licenses for elderly people “in order to avoid discrimination and guarantee their right to free movement and participation in economic and social life”.
Priority was given to driver self-assessment when issuing and renewing a driving license.
Each country remains responsible for deciding whether or not to implement a medical examination with a minimum set of checks on the eyesight and cardiovascular conditions of drivers.
European Union countries are being urged to do more to make drivers aware of the mental and physical cues that can put a person at risk when driving.