EU mandates medical exams for driver licence renewals and introduces cross‑border revocations

The European Parliament approved a reform on 21 October 2025 that makes a medical examination mandatory for renewing a driving licence across the EU. The measure aims to improve road safety, which an Italian MEP, Matteo Ricci, said is needed because “we have 20 000 traffic deaths each year in the EU – far too many.”

The reform also creates an EU‑wide system for licence revocation: a ban issued in one member state will be recognised and enforced in the driver’s home country. While ordinary fines remain the responsibility of local authorities, the new rules tighten cross‑border enforcement.

In addition, a digital driving licence that can be accessed on a smartphone is planned for rollout by 2030, with a paper card still available on request. The changes raise the maximum authorised weight for motorhomes to 4.25 tonnes, benefitting caravan owners. EU representatives such as MEP Jutta Paulus highlighted the convenience for young people, stating the digital licence “is especially good for young people who have everything on their phone.”