EU Ministers Push for Safer Roads with New Driving License Rules
Governments across the European Union (EU) are gathering in Brussels to discuss enhancing road safety with new driving license requirements. The focus is on making European highways safer, and they're finalizing their positions to negotiate with the European Parliament. The EU Commission's original proposals have garnered attention, particularly in Germany, where some fear mandatory health checks for seniors may become a reality in the future.
Mandatory Check-ups: A Questionable Proposal
While it's not likely that mandatory health checks for seniors will become compulsory, the Commission's proposal does provide some flexibility on this issue. Federal Transport Minister Volker Wissing (FDP) of Germany has made it clear that he opposes such checks. The probabilities of EU countries pushing for mandated medicals are relatively low. Nevertheless, some countries, like Ireland, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands, already require specific medical tests as per data from the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC) in 2021.
Adjustments to Older Drivers' Licenses
For drivers over 70, the EU Commission proposes renewing their licenses every five years. This could be accomplished through either self-assessment or medical examinations. While the validity period and requirements are adjustable, these regulations aim to make roads safer for elderly drivers by ensuring they are fit to drive.
Other Crucial Changes on the Table
Beyond inherent driver safety, discussions involve other changes as well. One of these is the prospect of standardized accompanied driving for novice drivers across the EU, beginning at the age of 17. Furthermore, there may be a standardized probationary period and the possibility of driving heavier motorhomes with a car driver's license under certain conditions. Lastly, digital driving licenses available on cell phones remain on the agenda.
Influencing Public Opinion in the European Parliament
Once EU member states settle on a shared position, negotiations continue with the European Parliament, which also plays a critical role in shaping legislation. In this process, controversy may arise, particularly when it comes to concepts like mandatory medical checks, drastic restrictions for new drivers, or stricter speed limits. A preliminary vote in the parliamentary transport committee is scheduled for Thursday, offering the first glimpse of public opinion on the proposed changes.
Sources:
- Wissing, Volker (FDP) opposes mandatory health checks for senior drivers in EU Parliament's negotiations.
- Some EU countries already require medical tests for older drivers, as reported by the ETSC in 2021.
- The EU Commission proposes renewing driving licenses for individuals over 70 every five years, requiring either self-assessment or medical examination.
- Various proposed changes relate to digitizing driving licenses, aligning penalties, and improving road safety. Inclusion of hazard perception and risk factors in the testing process is also on the agenda.
- The parliamentary transport committee, in Thursday's vote, will present an initial assessment of public opinion on the proposed driving license directive changes.
