Changes are coming to driving licenses, renewals and health checks, while new data is also being created for new drivers. In Cyprus, preparations for the new European framework have already begun, with the Department of Road Transport working on the changes that will be needed in its legislation and procedures.
In practice, the most noticeable change for the average driver is expected to be the digital driver's license. According to the answers given to Filenews by a competent TOM official, the license will be able to be in the European Digital Identity Wallet and used via mobile phone, while procedures such as renewals, reissues and validity checks are expected to be simplified.
The digitization of the license is expected to gradually reduce the need for the physical plastic card in everyday life, which, however, is not being abolished. Anyone who wishes will be able to continue to have their license in physical form. The new European Directive provides, after all, for the parallel existence of a printed and digital license, with their recognition throughout the European Union.
At the implementation level, the TOM "considers it practically necessary to cooperate with the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, as it issues the licenses, while the Deputy Ministry is responsible for the state digital infrastructure"
As far as renewals are concerned, the new Directive provides for a 15-year administrative validity for the main categories of licenses, including category B. In Cyprus, according to the TOM, this duration is already 15 years and, at least at this stage, no reduction is foreseen.
What changes for those over 70
Of particular interest is what will happen to drivers over 70 years old. Today, their license is renewed every three years with a health certificate. The new European approach, however, places more emphasis on the actual state of health and the ability of the driver and less on age in itself.
The new approach essentially shifts the criterion from "how old someone is" to whether they can continue to drive safely. Ability to drive must be judged by objective evidence and, where appropriate, by examinations or other tests. At the same time, any restriction or withdrawal of the license must be considered on a case-by-case basis and not automatically due to age.
Regarding this issue, the TOM notes that at this stage the existing procedure continues to apply, adding that it "will consider all possibilities" in the context of harmonization. The Directive also leaves a lot of room for the Member States as to how health checks are to be carried out, even allowing in some cases self-assessment instead of a full medical examination.
Driving from the age of 17
Changes are also coming for new drivers, as the Directive provides for driving from the age of 17 with an escort, but also a trial period of at least two years for those who obtain a driving license for the first time.
The TOM has already studied these two provisions, but the exact model that will be applied in Cyprus has not yet been determined. Any amendments to the national legislation needed to implement the new regulations, the TOM states, will be evaluated and promoted with a view to facilitating citizens on the one hand and on the other hand, above all, ensuring and strengthening road safety.
The timetable has already been set. By November 2028, Member States must have completed the key legislative changes required by the new Directive. Most regulations will start to apply from November 2029, while driving from the age of 17 with an escort will have to be implemented earlier, from November 2028.
In the coming period, there are expected to be developments, as the TOM will proceed with the preparation of the legislative changes and the public consultation.
