3rd Driving Licence Directive proposed by Commission

Publication date: 21 October 2003

The European Commission proposed today a revision of European legislation on driving licences to reduce possibilities of fraud, ensure a true freedom of movement to EU drivers and reinforce road safety. The draft directive COM(2003) 621 final (2003/0252 (COD)) aims to replace the current legislation on driving licences (91/439/EEC).

com2003_621_licence.pdf (635 KB)

The directive is designed to iron out inconsistencies in validity periods and the format of European driving licences which come in many differrent shapes and sizes. Current paper driving licences will not be exchanged, but will not be issued anymore from the entry into force of the new legislation, and will be replaced by a plastic "credit card" type equipped with a recent photo of the driver.

All new licences issued from the date of application of the proposed directive will have to be regularly renewed: licences of category A (motorcycles) and B (cars) would be valid for 10 years, 5 years if holders are over 65 years of age. All new licences of category C (trucks) and D (buses) will be valid for 5 years, on year if holders are over 65 years of age. Sub-categories relating to different vehicle types and the age at which they may be driven will also be standardised.

For more information: Memo of DG TREN
Driving licences - ensuring security, safety and free movement