The European Commission has presented an assortment of driving focused proposals including one that would see the introduction of a digital license.
That would be a big change, but the Commission says it would “simplify the recognition of driving licenses between member states” as well as make it “much easier to replace, renew or exchange a driving license.”
While digital licenses sound pretty straightforward, bringing them to fruition is easier said than done. In particular, there needs to be agreement on specifications regarding interoperability and security as well as verification features.
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This could take years, but the European Commission is proposing that digital driver licenses should be the default choice after an initial “adjustment period.” However, traditional driver licenses wouldn’t be going away as the Commission says drivers would be able to get a physical license if they want one.
Speaking of licenses, the Commission wants to make it easier for foreigners to drive in Europe. As they explained, expats “often need to re-take driver training and testing in order to be granted an EU driving license, regardless of their past driving experience.” They want to change this so people from certain countries don’t need to complete testing or training to get an EU license.
The proposals also aim to increase safety by revamping driver training and having a two year probation period for “novice drivers.” Interestingly, tests could be updated to “assess the knowledge and skills linked to advanced driving assistance systems and other automated technologies.”
Furthermore, the Commission wants to hold drivers accountable as they noted “in 2019, some 40% of cross-border offences were committed with impunity, either because the offender was not identified or because the payment was not enforced.” To get around this, proposals would give authorities access to national driving license registers and expand the scope of traffic offences covered. On top of speeding and drunk driving, these would include following too closely, dangerous overtaking, and crossing solid white lines – among other things.
H/T to The Journal
