Driver’s License: Concerns Surrounding a Controversial Reform

The recent driving license reform adopted by the European Parliament stirs a mixture of curiosity and concern.

The idea of limiting the validity of licenses to 15 years and introducing a mandatory medical check-up at each renewal aims to improve road safety – a universally shared goal. Every year, nearly 20,000 people die on the roads of the European Union, and any measure contributing to reducing this figure is a step in the right direction.

However, some aspects of this reform raise questions. Regular medical checks, although justified to detect certain conditions that could affect driving, risk becoming a source of administrative and financial complexity for drivers. Moreover, limiting the validity period of the license, even though it reflects changes in health over the years, may seem excessive for experienced and healthy drivers.

The license deserves no approximation

Young drivers are not left out: the probationary period is extended, and mandatory support for those under 18 introduces new practical constraints. While these measures aim to reinforce the responsibility of novices and reduce accidents, some perceive them as an additional burden rather than safety support.

The main risk of this reform lies in how it is presented and debated. Road safety is an undeniable priority, and any initiative to strengthen it is justified. But by multiplying measures and focusing the debate on administrative and medical constraints, Europe sometimes seems to prioritize the absolute need to protect users second, behind debates that may appear vain.

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Circulation

• 17/10/2025 10:31

On the Road, Safety Must Rhyme with Respect

The practical aspect remains: coordination between countries for sanctions, organization of medical examinations, adaptation of national systems… The effective implementation of this reform will be decisive in determining whether it manages to reconcile enhanced safety with simplicity for drivers. If a balance is found, Europe can finally progress towards the ambitious, though entirely illusory, goal of a “zero death” road by 2050. It’s essential to recognize that any reform is smoother without sacrificing drivers’ daily lives.

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