B driving license at 17 years old, C driving license at 18 years old, new European driving license rules

The European Parliament has approved the reform of community regulations relating to driving licenseswhich brings to the debut numerous innovations that will potentially interest all motorists in the Union. Since it is one European directivethe new rules will formally enter into force twenty days after publication in the official journal, while the Member States will have up to three years to implement themand a further year to implement them, under penalty of initiating infringement procedures. However, since it is not a regulation, but rather a directive, each member state will have the right to decide the ways in which these innovations will be introduced into its own system, issuing specific laws of national value.

Driver’s license for 17 years

—

Among the main innovations introduced, the opening to the achievement of type B driving license already at 17 years old. This is the license that allows you to drive vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes and nine seats, with light trailers up to 750 kg, plus agricultural machinery of all types and non-exceptional operating machinery. In any case, anyone who obtains their B driving license before the age of 18 will be able to get behind the wheel only if accompanied by an expert driver (at least 10 years of driving license). The reform also introduces the possibility for eighteen-year-olds to obtain the driving license type Cand for those in their twenties, type D, in the presence of professional qualification certificates. Also introduced a two-year probationary period for all new driversduring which it is possible to apply more severe rules (as already happens in Italy in the case of zero blood alcohol level), as well as toughen the penalties for infringements such as driving while intoxicated or failure to use a seat belt.

Suspensions valid throughout the EU

—

The European driving license reform gives community value to driving license suspensions. This means that any license suspension in a single state of the Union will come automatically transposed by every other member state. Therefore, losing your license in any country belonging to the European Union for offenses such as driving while intoxicated or speeding will effectively mean not being able to drive throughout the Union.

duration of 15 years

—

Driving license for cars and motorcycles will have maximum duration of 15 yearswhile the truck driving skill will expire every five years. It is up to the individual countries of the Union to decide whether or not to shorten the expiry intervals for drivers over 65 years of age. The text approved by the European Parliament provides that in order to obtain a driving licence, or to renew it, the driver is required to undergo a medical examination which includes vision and cardiovascular tests. However, individual states are left free to proceed alternatively with self-assessment modules or other assessment methods on a national scale.

theory exam

—

The reform also introduces innovations in the field of driving tests. THE questions during the exam they must include questions regarding the dangers of blind spots, the driving assistance systems mandatory in the European Union, the safe opening of doors and the use of mobile phones while driving. Training courses will also need to place greater emphasis on the increased risks for vulnerable road users.