17-year-olds will soon be able to get a driving licence in Spain and the Canary Islands
The European Parliament has officially approved a new driving licence reform that will allow people to obtain their car licence at 17 years old, provided they are accompanied by an experienced driver until they turn 18. Currently in Spain, including the Canary Islands, you have to be 18 to get a driving licence for cars.
The measure, adopted in Strasbourg on Tuesday, forms part of a wider EU road safety overhaul that also introduces a digital European driving licence and enables the cross-border enforcement of driving bans for serious offences such as drink-driving or causing fatal accidents.
Once published in the EU’s Official Journal, member states will have three years to adapt the new rules into national law.
Closing legal loopholes across Europe
Until now, if a driver was banned in one EU country, the penalty did not necessarily apply elsewhere, meaning motorists could continue driving once back home. Under the new system, national authorities will share information via the European Driving Licence Network (RESPER) so that equivalent sanctions can be enforced in the licence-holder’s country of origin.
“We are ensuring that anyone who endangers lives on Europe’s roads will face consequences, no matter where their licence was issued,” said MEP Oihane Agirregoitia, rapporteur for the reform.
Young drivers and new rules
Under the new directive, 17-year-olds can apply for a Category B car licence and drive under supervision until they reach 18. Member states will also be allowed to lower the minimum age for lorry licences to 17 for national routes, again requiring supervision by an experienced driver.
A two-year probation period will apply to all new drivers, with stricter penalties for offences such as drink-driving, failing to wear a seatbelt, or not using child restraints.
The move is designed both to improve road safety and tackle the shortage of professional drivers across Europe.
Towards a digital licence by 2030
The reform also lays the groundwork for a digital EU driving licence, expected by 2030, which will be recognised in all member states. Drivers will still be entitled to request a physical card version.
The new licence will be valid for 15 years for cars and motorcycles (reduced to 10 years in countries where it doubles as an identity document).
With these changes, the EU hopes to create a safer, fairer, and more connected driving system, unifying standards across the continent for the next generation of motorists.
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