The European Parliament does not want a shorter validity period for old driving licences outside

In Belgium last year, there was a lot of opposition to a European Commission proposal that would oblige people over the age of 70 to renew their driving license every five years, with or without medical examinations or self-testing.

So it doesn't come to that. MEPs agree that car and motorcycle driving licenses should be valid for at least fifteen years, but older drivers should not renew their licenses sooner. “This will guarantee their right to freedom of movement and participation in economic and social life,” she said in a press release.

What should happen when a driving license is issued or renewed is up to the Member States. They can choose to have a medical examination, but also a self-assessment. Parliamentarians ask Member States to provide a framework for cooperation with general practitioners and raise awareness about the physical and mental signs that indicate whether a person is qualified to drive or not.

The legislation, which also introduces a digital driving license on smartphones, still needs to be negotiated with member states. Parliament's position was approved today by a majority of 339 votes to 240 (37 members abstained from voting). The file will now be transferred to the new Parliament, which will assume its duties after the European elections next June.