European driving licence

European driving licence is a driving licence granted by the member states of the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA consists of the 27 European Union (EU) member states, as well as three European Free Trade Association (EFTA) member states (Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway). The European driving licence was introduced to replace the 110 different plastic and paper driving permits that were in use among the member states before its introduction.

History[edit | edit source]

The European driving licence was first introduced in 1980. The Council of the European Union adopted Directive 80/1263/EEC on December 4, 1980, which established a Community model for a driving licence. The directive was later replaced by Directive 91/439/EEC in 1991, which provided for mutual recognition of driving licences issued by the member states.

Design and features[edit | edit source]

The European driving licence is a credit-card-style, single plastic permit which replaced the several different paper and plastic permits that were previously in use in the member states. The licence is decorated with a European flag. It is available in all EU and EFTA languages and is valid throughout the EEA.

The licence details the types of vehicle the holder is permitted to drive. These categories are denoted by different letters (A, B, C, D, BE, CE, DE, AM, A1, A2, B1, C1, D1, C1E, D1E, and T). The licence also includes two dates: the date of issue and the date of expiry.

Obtaining a licence[edit | edit source]

To obtain a European driving licence, the applicant must be a resident of the EEA, be physically fit to drive the vehicle category they are applying for, and have reached the minimum ages set out for each vehicle category. The applicant must also pass a theory test and a practical test.

Recognition and validity[edit | edit source]

The European driving licence is recognised throughout the EEA and can be used in any EEA country without the need for an International Driving Permit. The licence is valid until the holder reaches the age of 70, after which it must be renewed every five years.

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