By 2030, all EU citizens will have access to a digital driver’s license, integrated into a European Digital Identity Wallet. This important step toward digitalization follows an agreement between the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers, marking a major shift in how Europeans interact with official documents across borders.
For Scandinavian citizens, who already have access to a digital driver’s license, the change primarily means that they will no longer need to carry a physical license when driving in other EU countries.
Before these rules officially take effect, the agreement must receive formal approval from both the Council of Ministers and the European Parliament. However, the direction is clear: the traditional plastic driver’s license is gaining a digital counterpart. More than just a technological upgrade, this change represents a commitment to a more modern, efficient, and secure approach to driving and road safety across the EU.
The new European Digital Identity Wallet
The digital driver’s license will be stored in a European Digital Identity Wallet, a secure digital storage solution currently being developed by the EU. The digital version will be valid in all EU member states, but citizens will still have the right to request a physical copy if they prefer.
Both the digital and physical versions of the license will remain valid for up to 15 years for car and motorcycle drivers. However, if the license is also used as an official identity document—common in many EU countries—it must be renewed every 10 years to ensure that personal details and photographs remain up to date.
Stricter Rules for New Drivers
The new regulations also introduce a mandatory probation period of at least two years for new drivers. During this time, stricter rules and penalties will apply, particularly for offenses related to alcohol and drug consumption. This initiative aims to improve road safety across the EU.
Additionally, the EU is working on standardizing medical fitness assessments for drivers across member states, ensuring a more consistent approach to evaluating individuals’ ability to drive safely.
Another key aspect of the agreement is the introduction of supervised driving for 17-year-olds. Young drivers who obtain a license at 17 will be allowed to drive as long as they are accompanied by an experienced driver. This measure is intended to address the shortage of professional drivers while also helping young motorists gain experience in a controlled environment.
This supervised driving scheme will be mandatory for passenger cars, though member states may choose to extend it to light commercial vehicles and trucks.
