New rules on driving licences in the European Union (EU) came into force on 25 November, aiming to strengthen road safety, cut accidents and bring Member States’ laws into closer alignment.
Member States will now have three years to transpose the directive into national law, followed by a further year to get ready for practical rollout. So what, in practice, changes for anyone taking a driving licence in Portugal?
Driving licence at 17
The biggest change is that young people may be able to obtain a car driving licence (category B) at 17 - but only under a specific condition. Until they turn 18, they are only allowed to drive when accompanied by an experienced driver. At present in Portugal, a category B licence can only be obtained from the age of 18.
Heavy goods and passenger vehicle licences
For heavy goods vehicles (category C) and passenger vehicles (category D), the updated rules mainly spell out what already applies in Portugal. With a Certificate of Professional Competence, it is possible to obtain category C at 18 and category D at 21; without that certificate, the age limits remain 21 and 24. In other words, in this area there is virtually no change compared with Portuguese legislation.
If you are unsure about the requirements for obtaining a driving licence, you can find more information on the IMT website.
Theory test
New drivers will receive training that is more focused on real-life hazardous situations, including blind-spot risks, driver-assistance systems, safe door opening and distractions caused by mobile phones.
The theory test will be updated to mirror this content, adding further material to the existing topics on road signs, legislation and road safety. In Portugal, this is expected to mean a gradual adjustment to the exam, without changing the essence of the process.
Probationary period of 2 years
A minimum probationary period of two years will become mandatory across all Member States. Portugal already has a three-year probationary period, so this change is unlikely to have much impact.
Driving licence validity
The validity period for car and motorcycle licences remains 15 years, although it can be reduced to 10 years if the licence is used as an identity document. Licences for lorries and coaches will continue to be renewed every five years.
For drivers aged over 65, the validity period may be shortened, but this is also broadly in line with Portuguese rules, which require periodic revalidation and a medical certificate from the age of 60. You can check how often you need to renew your licence.
Digital driving licence
The new rules also introduce a digital driving licence, accessible on a mobile phone, with the EU intending this to become the official format. In Portugal, a digital version is already available via the id.gov.pt app.
A physical licence will still be available on request, with delivery within three weeks.
What still needs to happen?
Member States will have three years to incorporate the directive into national legislation, plus an additional year to prepare for practical implementation.
Overall, the EU’s new rules modernise and harmonise driving licences, but for Portuguese drivers the most meaningful shift is the option to obtain a category B licence at 17, provided driving is supervised.
The remaining changes - such as the digital licence and modest updates to the theory test - are designed to bring the system up to date without drastically altering what is already in place in Portugal.
Comments
No comments yet. Be the first to comment!
Leave a Comment