The European Parliament has give final approval to new regulations that will modernise the EU’s licensing regime and will allow 18-year-olds to drive trucks and 21-year-olds to drive buses, if they hold a full driving licence and Certificate of Professional Competence.
The new regulations agreed between EU institutions earlier this year, have now been ratified, by the European Parliament and will improve access for young drivers seeking to take up a driving role in the haulage industry.
The updated rules also introduce accompanied professional truck driving from the age of 17 and establish a fully digital EU-wide driving licence.
Despite the new regulations, the European road transport sector continues to face a chronic driver shortage with more than half a million positions currently unfilled across Europe.
By lowering entry barriers, promoting structured accompanied driving and improving licence portability, it is hoped the new law will help attract young talent and renew an ageing workforce. This is essential to maintain EU passenger and freight transport services and ensure the continuity of mobility and supply chains.
The harmonised digital licence will simplify checks, reduce paperwork and make enforcement fairer and more efficient across borders. Stronger recognition of driving disqualifications between Member States will also improve compliance and road safety.
The directive further modernises driver training by adding modules on risk awareness, vulnerable road users, distraction and blind-spot management.
The International Road Transport Union has welcomed the new regulations, and says it will continue to work with the EU to ensure consistent application and advance the recognition of third-country driver qualifications, which is essential to address Europe’s long-term driver shortage.
IRU EU Director Raluca Marian said, “Today’s vote by the Parliament has turned this reform into EU law. It brings long-awaited clarity and modernisation to driver training and licensing, helping Europe attract new generations of professional drivers while keeping safety and enforcement at the core. “The focus now turns to consistent application by Member States.”
