The European Union has given the green light to a range of new driving rules to improve road safety across the bloc, as it looks to follow in the footsteps of the UK.
Members of the European Parliament have confirmed new driving licence rules that will help the EU reach its goal of eliminating all road deaths and serious injuries by 2050.
People training for their first driving licence will be required to have knowledge of blind spots, driver-assistance systems, door safety and the risks of being distracted by a phone at the wheel.
The new testing rules are designed to place a greater emphasis on pedestrians, children, cyclists and other vulnerable road users.
One of the largest changes being introduced by the European Union is that driving licences will be valid for 15 years for motorcycles and cars, while trucks and buses will be eligible for five years.
Countries in the EU are now able to reduce the validity period for drivers aged 65 or over and require licence holders to have more frequent medical checks or refresher courses.
Digital driving licences will also be introduced, which will be accessible on a mobile phone and will gradually become the main licence format.
However, legislators "secured the right" for drivers to request a physical licence, which should ideally be delivered within three weeks.
READ MORE: Major driving licence changes to launch this year despite backlash to controversial digital ID plans
The EU has approved digital driving licence rules, which the UK is rolling out soon
|PA/GOV.UK
It comes as the UK prepares to introduce a digital driving licence as part of the GOV.UK Wallet, although the paper licence will still be eligible.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said the decision to launch a digital driving licence was a "game changer for millions of people".
A Government spokesperson told GB News that the GOV.UK Wallet will be launched "soon", following the rollout of the Digital Veteran Card.
Commenting on the new EU rules, German European Parliament rapporteur Jutta Paulus said: "By 2030, the new European Driving Licence Directive will introduce a digital driving licence, while giving citizens full freedom of choice between an app and a physical card."
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
The rapporteur, who represents the Group of the Greens in the European Parliament, added that road users across the continent would directly benefit from the new driving rules.
New laws will also be introduced for younger motorists, in a scheme that has been supported by road safety experts in the UK.
The so-called Graduated Driving Licence systems aim to ease young people into driving safely with restrictions, such as curfews and passenger bans.
Motorists in the EU will now have a probationary period of at least two years, who will face stricter rules and sanctions for drink-driving and not using seatbelts.
The EU plans to roll out digital driving licences over the coming years
| GETTYWhile 17-year-olds will be able to get a licence to drive a car, they will need to be accompanied by an experienced driver until they are 18.
It is also acting to address the shortage of professional drivers, with 18-year-olds able to obtain a truck licence and 21-year-olds able to drive a bus if they hold a certificate of professional competence.
Social Democrat Matteo Ricci from Italy said: "Today is an important step forward in improving road safety.
"By introducing clearer and more timely criteria for suspending driving privileges in cases of serious violations, it helps protect not only responsible drivers but the entire community. A stronger, more effective system of monitoring and enforcement will help prevent accidents and save lives."