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European reform
Soon the end of the lifetime driving license
Publié le 30 octobre 2025 - Directorate of Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)
On 21 October 2025, the European Parliament voted in favor of a revision of the European rules on driving licenses. In order to “improve road safety and reduce the number of accidents”, several measures are designed to fundamentally reform the driving license, in particular its validity period. Public Service explain.
Driving license reform: the changes ahead
Provisions for young drivers
The European Union shall establish a probationary period of at least two years for all novice drivers. This deadline is already applied in France.
This implies tougher rules and tougher penaltieses in case of driving under the influence of alcohol, absence of child seat and in case of non-wearing of the belt.
Withdrawal of the driving license
Decisions regarding a license revocation, suspension or restriction will be now forwarded to the EU country that issued the permit. The aim is to apply cross-border sanctions.
The period of validity of the permit
One of the major changes is the validity period of the driving license, which will be 15 years maximum for drivers of motorcycles and/or cars.
In addition, Member States will have the possibility to reduce the period of validity of the driving license for persons with over 65 years.
Please note
The period of validity may be reduced to 10 years in Member States where the permit also serves as proof of identity, which is the case in France.
Medical examinations and validity of the permit
A medical examination must be carried out before the deliverance and for the license renewal. These visits will include ophthalmological and cardiovascular examinations.
People over 65 years of age may have to pass medical visits or follow c'srefresher course more frequently.
Please note
EU countries will be able to choose to implement self-assessment forms instead of medical visits. The European Parliament's press release published on 21 October 2025 states that "other nationally designed assessment systems" can also replace the medical examination.
Driving license reform: what application in France?
Member States, including France, have a deadline of 3 years to transpose these new measures into their national legislation, as well as an additional year to provide for the implementation of the provisions.
Additional topics
European Parliament