EU moves to lower truck licence age and introduce Euro 7 emissions standards

The European Union is preparing two major transport policy changes. To address a long‑standing shortage of professional truck drivers, the EU proposes allowing 17‑year‑olds to obtain a category C licence for trucks, provided they are accompanied by a certified instructor who has held a "white" licence for at least five years. Italy is leading the consultation, and the measure mirrors practices already used in Germany, Austria and Denmark.

From 29 November 2026, all new passenger cars and light commercial vehicles that receive type approval in the EU must comply with the new Euro 7 emissions standard. The rule applies only to newly approved models; vehicles already certified under Euro 5 or Euro 6 may continue to be sold. Euro 7 requires far tighter particle limits (down to 10 nm), stricter fuel‑vapour emissions, real‑world driving emissions testing and a durability guarantee of 160 000 km or eight years.