Definitively adopted on October 21, 2025 by the European Parliament, the new legislation on driving licenses will transform the habits of millions of motorists. Stated objective: to harmonize the rules throughout the Union and strengthen road safety.
No more driving license valid for life
The first measure, and probably the most symbolic: the principle of the lifetime license disappears. Its validity period will now be limited to 15 years for cars and motorcycles.
In certain countries where the license also serves as an identity document, this duration may be reduced to 10 years. Drivers over 65 may have to renew their license more frequently, depending on their state of health.
Mandatory medical check-up for all drivers
Another major novelty of the reform: verification of medical fitness to drive becomes a condition for obtaining or renewing a license. Each country will be able to choose its method: a traditional medical examination or a self-assessment via a health questionnaire (vision, hearing, mobility, current treatments, etc.).
However, according to Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency physician and medical director of True Medical, “nothing has yet been officially decided regarding the systematic implementation of a medical check every 15 years for the renewal of a driving license in France.
He specifies that this obligation could only come into force from 2030, while Member States adapt their legislation and their medical organization.
What tests might be required according to Dr. Kierzek?
The objective of this control is to better assess the aptitude of drivers, particularly in an aging population. “This could be a simplified or in-depth medical check-up, usually including an eye exam, cardiovascular, neurological and reflex assessment.”explains the emergency doctor.
Points that could be assessed would include:
- Vision, with ophthalmological tests to check visual acuity;
- The cardiovascular system, by screening for heart disease or hypertension;
- Neurological functions, through the identification of cognitive or motor disorders that could impair driving;
- Reflexes and coordination, with the assessment of reactivity and alertness;
- Taking medications, by checking treatments that could impair alertness.
These examinations could be carried out by approved doctors, separate from the attending physician, who would establish a report on fitness or incapacity to drive.
Who will be primarily affected?
According to Dr Kierzek, this measure will primarily target the drivers most at risk:
- Seniors, from 70 or 75 years old, in order to detect physical or cognitive decline;
- People suffering from chronic illnesses: cardiac, neurological or visual disorders;
- Drivers under medical treatment affecting alertness.
But implementation raises a major logistical challenge. “There remains the problem of cost and medical staff to carry out these assessments”underlines the doctor.
With more than 15 million French people aged 60 and over today, and nearly 24 million expected in 2060, the demand for medical checks risks exploding.
Digital license and new rules for young drivers
Finally, several other changes should also be noted. The digital driving license will become the standard format in Europe. Accessible on smartphone, it will facilitate administrative procedures and controls. Those who wish, however, will be able to keep a physical version.
On the training side, the exams will be strengthened, with more questions on blind spots, cyclists and pedestrians. A uniform 2-year probationary period for all new European drivers could also see the light of day, with zero tolerance for alcohol in certain countries.
Member States now have three years to adapt this reform. The first measures could apply from 2028.