EU Agrees to Lower Professional Driving Age and Introduce Accompanied Driving Scheme

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18-Year-Olds to Become Eligible to Drive Trucks Under New Rules

The European Parliament and Council negotiators have reached a provisional agreement on new EU driving licence rules aimed at modernising driver qualifications and addressing the growing shortage of professional drivers.

Among the most significant changes is the lowering of the minimum age to obtain a professional driving licence. Under the revised legislation:

  • The minimum age for a truck licence will be reduced from 21 to 18 years, and
  • The minimum age for a bus licence will drop from 24 to 21 years,

provided the applicant holds a valid Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (DCPC/C95).

In addition, EU member states may allow 17-year-olds to drive a truck or van within their own country, on the condition they are accompanied by an experienced driver. This accompanied driving system will also be expanded to car drivers across the EU.

According to EU lawmakers, these changes are designed to make the profession more accessible to younger people and help transport operators attract new talent into the industry.

Other key updates include:

  • The introduction of a mobile driving licence,
  • A mandatory probation period for new drivers, and
  • Stronger measures for the cross-border recognition of driving disqualifications, closing loopholes that have previously allowed disqualified drivers to avoid penalties by relocating within the EU.

Furthermore, the agreement lays the groundwork for a harmonised EU framework for exchanging driving licences with third countries, provided they meet EU standards.

The deal was endorsed by the European Parliament’s Transport and Tourism Committee (TRAN) on Wednesday, with 36 votes in favour and six against.

The preliminary agreement must still be formally approved by both the European Parliament and the Council in the coming months. Once adopted, EU member states will have four years to transpose the new rules into national legislation and prepare for implementation.