European driving licence

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European driving licence
DE Licence 2013 Front.jpg Norway driving licence front (2022).png
Examples of the European driving licence issued in Germany and Norway. Licences issued in Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway do not feature the EU flag.
Issued by EU member states and member states of the European Economic Area [lower-alpha 1]
First issued29 July 1991
PurposeAccess to unified driving licence in any of the EEA member states
Valid inThe European Economic Area
EligibilityEEA residency

The European driving licence is a driving licence issued by the member states of the European Economic Area (EEA); all 27 EU member states and three EFTA member states; Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, which give shared features the various driving licence styles formerly in use. It is credit card-style with a photograph. They were introduced to replace the 110 different plastic and paper driving licences of the 300 million drivers in the EEA. The main objective of the licence is to reduce the risk of fraud.

Contents

A driving licence issued by a member state of the EEA is recognised throughout the EEA and can be used as long as it is valid, the driver is old enough to drive a vehicle of the equivalent category, and the licence is not suspended or restricted and has not been revoked in the issuing country. If the holder of an EEA driving licence moves to another EEA country, the licence can be exchanged for a driving licence from the new EEA country. However, as all EEA driving licences are recognised throughout the EEA, it is usually not necessary to exchange it. [1]

The exception is for those holding EEA driving licences issued in exchange for a non‑EEA licence. When holding a converted licence, one should not assume the licence is recognized when moving to another EEA country, which might require that the driving licence be converted again to a licence issued by that country. [1]

History

1980–1996

The first step to a European driving licence was taken on 4 December 1980, when the Council of Ministers adopted Council Directive 80/1263/EEC on the introduction of a Community driving licence, which established a Community model national licence that guaranteed the mutual recognition by the Member States of national licences. It also established the practice of exchange of licences by holders moving from one Member State to another.

1996–2013

PC-Europ01-275x379.jpg
DE Licence Desire Jeanette Mustermann Front.jpg
Examples of the paper and plastic card models in 91/439/EEC
Directive 91/439/EEC
European Union directive
Flag of Europe.svg
TitleCouncil Directive on driving licences
Made by Council of the European Union
Made underArt. 75 TEC
Journal reference L237, pp 1–24
History
Date made29 July 1991
Came into force24 August 1991
Implementation date1 July 1996
Other legislation
ReplacesDirective 80/1263/EEC
Replaced byDirective 2006/126/EC
Repealed

On 29 July 1991, the Council of Ministers adopted the Council of the European Union Directive 91/439/EEC on driving licences. The directive required EU Member States to adopt laws implementing the directive before 1 July 1994, which took effect on 1 July 1996. Directive 80/1263/EEC was repealed on the same date.

Directive 91/439/EEC was incorporated into the EEA Agreement through Decision of the EEA Joint Committee No 7/94 of 21 March 1994, [2] and specified driving licence in the European Union and the European Economic Area until its repeal on 19 January 2013.

Provisions

The Council of the European Union Directive 91/439/EEC harmonised the categories of driving licences among the Member States and established two Community driving licence models, one paper version and one plastic card version. It furthermore established an obligatory test of knowledge (theory) and a test of skills and behaviour (practical) which had to be successfully passed before an individual is offered a driving licence. It also required an applicant to meet the minimum standards of physical and mental fitness to drive. The directive specified the minimum ages for driving different types of vehicles, and established progressive access in categories A, C, and D, from light vehicles to larger or more powerful vehicles. The directive stipulated that it is mandatory to have the normal residence in the Member State issuing the licence. [3]

Amendments

The Directive was substantially amended by nine directives and two acts of accession. The plastic card version of the Community licence model, for example, was added to the Directive by Council Directive 96/47/EC of 23 July 1996. [4]

Since 2013

Directive 2006/126/EC
European Union directive
Text with EEA relevance
Flag of Europe.svg
TitleDirective of the European Parliament and of the Council on driving licences (Recast)
Made by European Parliament & Council
Made underArt. 71 TEC
Journal reference L403, pp. 18–60
History
Date made30 December 2006
Came into force19 January 2007
Implementation date19 January 2013
Other legislation
ReplacesDirective 91/439/EEC
Current legislation

In March 2006, the Council of Ministers adopted a Directive proposed by the European Commission to create a single European driving licence to replace the 110 different models in existence throughout the EU/EEA at the time. [5] [6] The European Parliament adopted the Directive in December 2006. [7] Directive 2006/126/EC was published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 30 December 2006. [8] Its provisions took effect on 19 January 2013; Directive 91/439/EEC was then concurrently repealed.

Provisions

The licence is a credit-card-style, single plastic-coated document, very difficult to counterfeit. The document is renewable every 10 or 15 years depending on the member state. Several member states have the option to include a microchip containing information about the card holder on the card.

Some categories like C and D are issued for five years only. After expiration, a medical check-up is necessary in order to renew the licence for another five years.

EEA relevance

The EEA (blue and green) European Economic Area member states.svg
The EEA (blue and green)

The provisions of Directive 2006/126/EC mention that it has European Economic Area (EEA) relevance, meaning that its provisions apply to all 27 EU member states, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway, through incorporation into the agreement on the EEA. [9]

The Directive was incorporated into the EEA agreement through Decision of the EEA Joint committee No 29/2008 of 14 March 2008 amending Annex XIII (Transport) to the EEA Agreement. [10] The Decision made some adaptions to the directive, notably: the distinguishing sign issuing the licence is encircled by an ellipse instead of being printed on the European flag, the words "driving licence" in Icelandic and Norwegian languages were added, and the words “European Communities model” were replaced by “EEA model”. [10]

Switzerland

Although Switzerland is a member state of EFTA, it is not a contracting party of EEA Agreement. Switzerland is instead linked to the EU by a series of bilateral agreements and has generally adopted much of the harmonised EU legislation with regard to driving licences. Switzerland has used categories similar to the EU system of vehicle categories since the 2000s, and Swiss driving licences resemble EEA-style credit-card licences, comparable to other non-EU/EEA European countries.

French Overseas Collectivities and Territories

Likewise, French Overseas Collectivities and Territories are not in the EEA despite being part of the French Republic. However, with the exception of Saint Pierre and Miquelon (which uses 'standard' French driving licenses) and Wallis and Futuna (which is the last remaining French territory still issuing non-credit card sized licenses), all Overseas Collectivities of France have followed EU harmonisation standards, as well as the 'EEA model'.

Implementation

The directive stipulated that (then) all 31 EEA members states must have adopted laws implementing the directive no later than 19 January 2011. Those laws took effect in all EEA members states on 19 January 2013. All licences issued before that date will become invalid by 2033.

Brexit

Directive 2006/126/EC applied to the United Kingdom until the transition period after the UK withdrew from the EU terminated on 31 December 2020, as EU law continued to apply to the UK during this period. [11]

From 1 January 2021, European licences are recognized by the UK if the driving test was passed in an EU/EEA country, and can be used both if the holder is visiting or if residing in the UK. They can also be exchanged for a UK driving licence. [12] [13]

UK driving licences can be used when visiting EU/EEA countries with some exceptions. [14] [15] [16] International Driving Permits might be needed in some cases. Depending on which convention the country in question has ratified, a 1949 IDP (Geneva Convention on Road Traffic) might be required in some EEA countries, and a 1968 IDP (Vienna Convention on Road Traffic) in others. However, none of the EEA countries currently require IDPs for visitors staying shorter than 12 months. [17]

Proposed changes

On 1 March 2023, the European Commission released a proposal to modernise the legal framework surrounding driver training, examination, licences and cross-border enforcement of driving offences. [18]

Specifically regarding driving licences, the measures presented included:

These proposals would have to be considered through the usual EU legislative procedure before coming into effect. [18]

Digital (mobile) driving licences

In July 2019, Norway was the first EU/EEA country to issue a mobile version of its driving licence using a proprietary app on a nationwide basis. This was preceded by limited trial in Finland from 2018-2020. Since then, mobile driving licences have been available in Iceland, Denmark, Germany, Spain, Greece, Poland and Portugal. These digital/mobile driving licences all have proprietary implementations and are not valid outside their issuing country. This is due to change with the introduction of standardised European digital driving licence, as per the new 'Proposal for a Revision of the Directive on Driving Licences' on the 1 March 2023, which would adhere to the ISO 18013-5 standard.

Standard data field labelling

To help users of different languages to understand what each of the data fields on the licence contains, each is labelled with a number. A legend on the back of the card identifies each field in the issuing authority's language. [19]

  1. surname
  2. other names [a]
  3. date of birth, place of birth [d] [c]
  4. a) date of issue, b) date of expiry, c) issuing authority, d) different number from the one under heading 5, for administrative purposes [b]
  5. licence number (Can Be Transferred) [c]
  6. photograph of holder
  7. signature of holder
  8. address (Some EU Countries) [c]
  9. licence categories
  10. first issuing date of the category
  11. expiry date of the category
  12. restrictions (number coded)
  13. space reserved for the possible entry by the host Member State of information essential for administering the licence
  14. space reserved for the possible entry by the Member State which issues the licence of information essential for administering the licence or related to road safety (optional).

Notes

aSuch as given names, local variations may occur.
b4(d) is optional. In some countries the personal number is listed.
cThis is optional and not implemented by all countries
dNorway [20] and Sweden: [21] a hyphen (-) is shown in lieu of place of birth.

ISO/IEC 18013-1:2018 extends the numbering of Directive 2006/126/EC to include other data fields (sex, height, weight, eye colour, hair colour) and is used by other countries such as Canada.

Categories valid in all EEA member states

Categories of European driving licences.
Note: Above graphic is outdated since 19 January 2013. EU driving licenses 202101.jpg
Categories of European driving licences.
Note: Above graphic is outdated since 19 January 2013.
ClassDescriptionAge of acquisitionRequiresIncludesRemarks
Mopeds
AMTwo-wheel vehicles or three-wheel vehicles with a maximum design speed of not more than 45 kilometres per hour (28 mph) and with a cylinder capacity not exceeding 50 cubic centimetres (3.1 cu in).16 years (18 years in Denmark and Malta; 15 years in Austria, Lithuania, Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden; 14 years in Estonia, Latvia, France, Italy, Poland, and Hungary).Until 19 January 2013 this class was a national class called "M" in Bulgaria, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, and Norway.

It is up to each member state to accept foreign licenses with younger ages than the local minimum age of acquisition.

Motorcycles
A1Motorcycles with a cylinder capacity not exceeding 125 cubic centimetres (7.6 cu in) and a power not exceeding 11 kilowatts (15 hp); and motor tricycles with a power not exceeding 15 kilowatts (20 hp).16 years. (18 years in Denmark, Greece, Belgium, and the Netherlands).AMB licence holders in Czech Republic (only motorcycles with automatic and semi-automatic transmission), Italy, Latvia, Slovakia (after two years and only motorcycles with automatic transmission), Spain (after three years), Poland (after three years), Portugal (at least 25 years old or additional licence for mopeds), and Belgium (after two years) are allowed to drive motorcycles not exceeding 125 cubic centimetres (7.6 cu in) within the respective countries. In Austria (after five years, training of 6 hours), France (after two years, a training of 7 hours), Germany (after 5 years, training of 9x1,5 hours, addition of Code 196, thus only German licenses), Greece (after 6 years, at least 27 years old, training of 5 hours, addition of Code 121, thus only Greek licenses), Luxembourg (after 2 years, training of 7 hours), and Malta (training of 10 hours), a practical training without exam is needed for B licence holders.
A2Motorcycles of a power not exceeding 35 kilowatts (47 hp) and with a power/weight ratio not exceeding 0.2 kilowatts per kilogram (0.12 hp/lb) and not derived from a vehicle of more than double its power.18 years. (20 years in Denmark, Greece, Belgium, and the Netherlands).A1, AMReplaced class "A" on 19 January 2013 in Malta. [24]
AAny motorcycle or motor tricycle not in category A1/A220 years. (22 years in Denmark, Greece, Belgium, and the Netherlands). However, access to the driving of motorcycles of this category shall be subject to a minimum of two years' experience on motorcycles under an A2 licence. This requirement as to previous experience may be waived if the candidate is at least 24 years old.A2, A1, AMB licence holders who are at least 21 years of age are allowed to drive motor tricycles (including three-wheeled motorcycles with a power exceeding 15 kilowatts (20 hp) in the following countries: Austria, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Spain and Poland (after three years of B licence). In France and Italy, a practical training (at least 7 hours) without an exam is needed for B licence holders who want to drive motor tricycles only, and this option is available only after at least two years of B licence. In the Netherlands it's allowed to drive from the age of at least 18, and if you had your B licence before 19 January 2013. [25] Replaced class "A+" on 19 January 2013 in Malta. [26]
Motor vehicles
BMotor vehicles with a maximum authorised mass (MAM) not exceeding 3,500 kilograms (7,700 lb) and designed and constructed for the carriage of no more than eight passengers in addition to the driver; motor vehicles in this category may be combined with a trailer having a maximum authorised mass which does not exceed 750 kilograms (1,650 lb). You can also tow heavier trailers if the total MAM of the vehicle and trailer isn't more than 3,500 kilograms (7,700 lb).

The limit in the first condition is: 3,500 kilograms (7,700 lb) + 750 kilograms (1,650 lb)= 4,250 kilograms (9,370 lb).

The limit for in the second condition is: 2,500 kilograms (5,500 lb) + 1,000 kilograms (2,200 lb)= 3,500 kilograms (7,700 lb).

18 years (17 years in Ireland, France (since 2024) and Hungary) [27] [28]

17 years in Germany, and the Netherlands (under supervision, from age of 18 without supervision).

17 years in Greece with supervision (from someone which is at least 25 years old and has had a B licence for 5+ years [29] ) and from the age of 18 without supervision (only if no accidents were caused while under supervision) [30]

17 years in Austria after 3000 km of driving under supervision.

16 years in Iceland (under supervision after 10 driving lessons, from age of 17 without supervision) [31] [32]

AM (some countries)In some countries, holders of a B driver licence are also entitled (sometimes with special conditions) to ride motorcycles <= 125 cubic centimetres (7.6 cu in) and power <= 11 kilowatts (15 hp) and ratio power/weight <= 0.1 kilowatts per kilogram (0.061 hp/lb)
BEWithout prejudice to the provisions of type-approval rules for the vehicles concerned, a combination of vehicles consisting of a tractor vehicle in category B and any number of trailers or semi-trailer wheres the maximum authorised mass of the trailer(s) or semi-trailer(s) do not exceed 3,500 kilograms (7,700 lb).18 years (17 years in Ireland) [27] B
B1 Heavy quadricycles 16 yearsAMThis class is optional, i.e. it is not implemented by all countries.
Large goods vehicle
C1Large goods vehicle with a maximum authorised mass of not more than 7.5 tonnes (7.4 long tons; 8.3 short tons); with or without a trailer with a maximum mass of less than 750 kilograms (1,650 lb).18 yearsB
C1ECombinations of vehicles where the tractor vehicle is in category C1 and its trailer(s) or semi-trailer(s) have a maximum authorised mass of over 750 kilograms (1,650 lb), and the combined mass of the tractor vehicle and trailer(s) do not exceed 12,000 kilograms (26,000 lb).18 yearsC1BE
C Large goods vehicle with a maximum authorised mass of more than 3.5 tonnes (3.4 long tons; 3.9 short tons) mass and not more than 8 + 1 seats (lorry); with a trailer with a maximum mass of 750 kilograms (1,650 lb).21 years[ citation needed ]

18 years in Sweden, Finland and Ireland [27]

18 years in Germany for non-commercial use only except for apprenticeship as professional driver

18 years in Belgium for professional drivers

B for 1 year, not including restricted licence[ citation needed ]C1
CEOther combinations of vehicles and trailers which with combined maximum authorised mass of more than 750 kilograms (1,650 lb).21 years (18 years in Belgium for professional drivers)CBE, C1E
Buses
D1Light buses with a maximum of 16 + 1 seats, maximum length of 8 metres (26 ft).21 years[ citation needed ] (18 years in Belgium for professional drivers)BMotor vehicles designed and constructed for the carriage of no more than 16 passengers in addition to the driver; motor vehicles in this category may be combined with a trailer having a maximum authorised mass not exceeding 750 kilograms (1,650 lb).
D1ECombinations of vehicles where the tractor vehicle is in category D1 and its trailer(s) or semi-trailer(s) have a maximum authorised mass of over 750 kilograms (1,650 lb), and the combined mass of the tractor vehicle and trailer(s) do not exceed 12,000 kilograms (26,000 lb).21 years (18 years in Belgium for professional drivers)D1
DVehicles with more than 8 + 1 seats (buses).24 years (21 years in Ireland; [27] 21 years in Belgium for professional drivers)B (C for 2 years in Bulgaria)D1Motor vehicles designed and constructed for the carriage of more than eight passengers in addition to the driver; motor vehicles which may be driven with a category D licence may be combined with a trailer having a maximum authorised mass which does not exceed 750 kilograms (1,650 lb). Includes articulated buses (at least in Germany). [33]
DECombinations of vehicles where the tractor vehicle is in category D and its trailer has a maximum authorised mass of over 750 kilograms (1,650 lb).24 years (21 years in Ireland; [27] 21 years in Belgium for professional drivers)DD1E

National categories in EEA member states

There are other national categories for tractors, large motorcycles, motorised wheel boats, motor tricycles (modern voiturettes, Category B1 or S), and military categories such as for driving tanks. National categories mean they are not harmonised and only valid within the issuing country. The table below gives general descriptions that do not include full details of regulations.

ClassDescriptionAge of acqui­sitionIssued byValid inRemarks
Mopeds
LKSmall mopedDenmarkDenmark
Snowmobiles
SSnowmobile16Norway
Motor vehicles
BF17Begleitetes Fahren (accompanied driving)17GermanyBF17 licensed driver must be accompanied by B-licence holder age 30+
L17L17-Lenkberechtigung17Austria
Buses
TRTrolleybus20HungaryHungary
TROLTrolleybusLatviaLatvia
TтбTrolleybus24BulgariaBulgariaTтб was phased out and incorporated into the D category in 2013. Trolleybus drivers are now required to possess a D licence and to complete additional training on a trolleybus. Entitlement to drive a trolleybus is specified on the driving licence by code 103.
Trams
HTram21CroatiaCroatia
TRAMTramLatviaLatvia
TтмTram24BulgariaBulgaria
VTram20HungaryHungary
Tractors
FTractor16AustriaAustria
CroatiaCroatiaWith or without trailer; included in class B
SloveniaSlovenia
TTractor17Czech RepublicCzech Republic
16GermanyGermany
HungaryHungaryMaximum 2 trailers
NetherlandsNetherlandsIncluded in class B and C if acquired before 1 July 2015
NorwayNorwayIncluded in class BE
PolandPolandIncluded in class BE
15FinlandFinlandIncluded in class A1, A2, A and B [37]
TMTractor16DenmarkDenmark
TктTractor16BulgariaBulgaria
KTwo-wheel tractor16HungaryHungary
LTractor not exceeding 40 km/h by design16GermanyGermanyWith trailer: max. 25 km/h; included in class B
Heavy equipment
GAgricultural vehicles16BelgiumBelgiumIncluded in B, B+E, C1, C1+E, C, C+E (only for agricultural vehicles with the same maximum authorised mass as the vehicles one has a licence for)
GHeavy equipment16CroatiaCroatiaIncluded in class B
WWork Vehicle16IrelandIrelandIncludes land tractors with or without a trailer

Overview of driving licences

Member stateFrontReverseValidityIssuing authorityLatest version Mobile driving licence
Flag of Austria.svg
Austria
A Licence 2013 Front.jpg A Licence 2013 Back.jpg 15 years11 Feb 2014
Flag of Belgium.svg
Belgium
Belgium driver's license 2019.jpg Belgium driver's license 2019 (verso).jpg 10 years Federal Public Service Mobility and Transport 27 Dec 2019
Flag of Bulgaria.svg
Bulgaria
Link to image Link to image
  • 5 years for categories C1, C, CE, D1, D1E, D, DE
  • 10 years for categories AM, A1, A2, A, B, B1
19 Jan 2013
Flag of Croatia.svg
Croatia
Croatian driving licence 2023 (recto).jpg Croatian driving licence 2023 (verso).jpg
  • 5 years for categories C1, C1E, C, CE, D1, D1E, D, DE, H
  • 10 years for categories AM, A1, A2, A, B, BE, F, G
2023
Flag of Cyprus.svg
Cyprus
Link to image Link to Image
  • 5 years for categories C, CΕ, D, DΕ, D1, D1Ε, H, Θ, Ζ
  • 15 years for categories A, A1, A2, B, B1, BE, C1, C1Ε, ΣT, ΙΒ
1 July 2013
Flag of the Czech Republic.svg
Czech Republic
Link to image 19 Jan 2013
Flag of Denmark.svg
Denmark
KorekortFor.jpg KorekortBag.jpg 15 years1 Sep 2017Yes, proprietary app, launched in Nov 2020 [38] [39]
Flag of Estonia.svg
Estonia
Link to image Link to image
  • 5 years for categories C, D
  • 10 years for other categories
19 Jan 2013
Flag of Finland.svg
Finland
Specimen for the European driving licence used in Finland since 2019, front side.jpg Specimen for the European driving licence used in Finland since 2019, rear side.jpg Depending on the licence category, valid for 2 to 15 yearsTraficom1 April 2019Terminated trial, proprietary app, from 2018-2020. [40]
Flag of Finland.svg Flag of Aland.svg
Åland (Finland)
Link to image Link to image Depending on the licence category, valid for 2 to 15 yearsÅland Provincial Government1 April 2019Terminated trial, proprietary app, from 2018-2020. [41]
Flag of France.svg
France
French driving license 2013.png
French driving license 2013.png
  • 1-5 years (depending on age for the required medical checkup [42] ) for categories C1, C, C1E, CE, D1, D, D1E, DE and for some professional use of category A, B
  • 15 years for categories AM, A1, A2, A, B1, B, BE
Prefecture via the ANTS1 July 2015
Flag of Germany.svg
Germany
DE Licence 2013 Front.jpg DE Licence 2013 Back.jpg 15 years4 Jan 2021Yes, proprietary app, launched in 2021. Supplementary to phyisical licence. [43]
Flag of Greece.svg
Greece
Hellenic Driving Licence.jpg

Link to image

Link to image 4 July 2023Yes, proprietary app and .pkpass implementation, launched in July 2023. [44] [45]
Flag of Hungary.svg
Hungary
Link to image Link to image
  • 10 years until age 50
  • 5 years at age 50 60
  • 3 years at age 60 70
  • 2 years above age 70
19 Jan 2013
Flag of Iceland.svg
Iceland
Icelandic driving licence - 2013 - Front.jpg Icelandic driving licence - 2013 - Back.jpg
  • 15 years until age 70
  • 4 years at age 70
  • 3 years at age 71
  • 2 years at age 72–79
  • 1 year above age 80
Sheriffs, on behalf of the Icelandic Transport Authority 3 June 2013Yes, using proprietary .pkpass implementation, launched in July 2020. [46] [47]
Flag of Ireland.svg
Ireland
Link to image Link to image 10 years Road Safety Authority 28 Feb 2017
Flag of Italy.svg
Italy
IT licence (front).jpg IT licence (back).jpg
  • Category AM, A1, A2, A, B1, B and BE driving licences are valid for ten years
  • 5 years : When issued or renewed for holders aged between 50 and 69
  • 3 years : For holders aged over 70
Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport 19 Jan 2013
Flag of Latvia.svg
Latvia
Link to image Link to image
  • 5 years for categories C1, C1E, D1, D1E, C, CE, D, DE
  • 10 years for other categories
Road Safety Directorate2 Jan 2013
Flag of Liechtenstein.svg
Liechten­stein
Link to image Link to image 1 April 2019
Flag of Lithuania.svg
Lithuania
Link to image Link to image 10 years30 July 2021
Flag of Luxembourg.svg
Luxem­bourg
Luxembourg, permis de conduire CE (recto).jpg Link to image 19 Jan 2013
Flag of Malta.svg
Malta
Link to image Link to image 19 Dec 2003
Flag of the Netherlands.svg
Nether­lands
Link to image Link to image
  • 10 years until age 65
  • Until age 75 if renewed between age 65–70
  • 5 years at age 71
RDW 14 Nov 2014
Flag of Norway.svg
Norway
Norway driving licence front (2022).png Norway driving licence back (2022).png 15 years Norwegian Public Roads Administration 1 Sep 2018Yes, proprietary app, launched in October 2019. [48] [49]
Flag of Poland.svg
Poland
Driving licence Poland 2013 recto.png Driving licence Poland 2013 verso.png 15 years Starosta or prezydent miasta (city mayor)4 March 2019
Flag of Portugal.svg
Portugal
Link to image Link to image Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes (IMT)2 Jan 2013
Flag of Romania.svg
Romania
RO licence front.jpg RO licence back.jpg
  • 5 years for categories C1, C1E, C, CE, D1, D1E, D, DE, (Tb), (Tv), (Tr)
  • 10 years categories AM, A1, A, B, B1, B, BE
19 Jan 2013
Flag of Slovakia.svg
Slovakia
Link to image Link to image 15 Sep 2015
Flag of Slovenia.svg
Slovenia
Link to image Link to image 19 Jan 2013
Flag of Spain.svg
Spain
Link to image Link to image
  • 10 years until the age of 65
  • 5 years over the age of 65
Directorate-General for Traffic 19 Jan 2013
Flag of Sweden.svg
Sweden
Link to image Link to image
  • 10 years
  • 5 years for C1, C1E, C, CE, D1, D1E, D, DE
Swedish Transport Agency 21 Jan 2016

See also

Notes

  1. The legal acquis is marked as EEA-relevant by the EU, and is incorporated into the EEA Agreement (by Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway).

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">EFTA Court</span> Supranational tribunal of EFTA states

The EFTA Court is a supranational judicial body responsible for the three EFTA members who are also members of the European Economic Area (EEA): Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Norway–European Union relations</span> Bilateral relations

Norway is not a member state of the European Union (EU). However, it is associated with the Union through its membership of the European Economic Area (EEA), signed in 1992 and established in 1994. Norway was a founding member of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) in 1960, which was originally set up as an alternative to the European Economic Community (EEC), the main predecessor of the EU. Norway had considered joining both the EEC and the European Union, but opted to decline following referendums in 1972 and 1994. According to the European Social Survey conducted in 2018, 73.6% of Norwegians would vote 'No' in a referendum to join the European Union. Norway shares land borders with two EU member states, namely Finland and Sweden, and maritime borders with a third, Denmark.

The freedom of movement for workers is a policy chapter of the acquis communautaire of the European Union. The free movement of workers means that nationals of any member state of the European Union can take up an employment in another member state on the same conditions as the nationals of that particular member state. In particular, no discrimination based on nationality is allowed. It is part of the free movement of persons and one of the four economic freedoms: free movement of goods, services, labour and capital. Article 45 TFEU states that:

  1. Freedom of movement for workers shall be secured within the Community.
  2. Such freedom of movement shall entail the abolition of any discrimination based on nationality between workers of the Member States as regards employment, remuneration and other conditions of work and employment.
  3. It shall entail the right, subject to limitations justified on grounds of public policy, public security or public health:
  4. The provisions of this article shall not apply to employment in the public service.
<span class="mw-page-title-main">Microstates and the European Union</span> Relationship overview

Currently, all of the European microstates have some form of relations with the European Union (EU).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Citizens' Rights Directive</span> EU directive defining right of free movement

The Citizens' Rights Directive 2004/38/EC sets out the conditions for the exercise of the right of free movement for citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA), which includes the member states of the European Union (EU) and the three European Free Trade Association (EFTA) members Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein. Switzerland, which is a member of EFTA but not of the EEA, is not bound by the Directive but rather has a separate multilateral sectoral agreement on free movement with the EU and its member states.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Liechtenstein passport</span> Passport of the Principality of Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein passports are issued to nationals of Liechtenstein for the purpose of international travel. Beside serving as proof of Liechtenstein citizenship, they facilitate the process of securing assistance from Liechtenstein consular officials abroad.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Icelandic passport</span> Passport for Icelands citizens

Icelandic passports are issued to citizens of Iceland for the purpose of international travel. Beside serving as proof of Icelandic citizenship, they facilitate the process of securing assistance from Icelandic consular officials abroad. As of 2023, 94.9% of Icelandic citizens possess an Icelandic passport. It is one of three official documents issued by the Icelandic government, the others being the Icelandic identity card and the Icelandic driving licence.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Driving licence in the United Kingdom</span> UK official document

In the United Kingdom, a driving licence is the official document which authorises its holder to operate motor vehicles on highways and other public roads. It is administered in England, Scotland and Wales by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) and in Northern Ireland by the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA). A driving licence is required in England, Scotland, and Wales for any person driving a vehicle on any highway or other "road", as defined in s.192 Road Traffic Act 1988, irrespective of the ownership of the land over which the road passes. Similar requirements apply in Northern Ireland under the Road Traffic Order 1981.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Quadricycle (EU vehicle classification)</span> EU vehicle category for four-wheeled microcars

The quadricycle is a European Union vehicle category for four-wheeled microcars, which allows these vehicles to be designed to less stringent requirements when compared to regular cars. Quadricycles are defined by limitations in terms of weight, engine power and speed.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">International Motor Insurance Card System</span> Arrangement

An International Motor Insurance Card System is an arrangement between authorities and insurance organizations of multiple states to ensure that victims of road traffic accidents do not suffer from the fact that injuries or damage sustained by them were caused by a visiting motorist rather than a motorist resident in the same country.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Liechtenstein identity card</span> National identity card of Liechtenstein

The Liechtenstein identity card is issued to Liechtenstein citizens by the Immigration and Passport Office in Vaduz. The card costs CHF65 for adults aged 18 or over and is valid for 10 years. For children, the card costs CHF30 and has a validity of 3 years.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Driving licence in Poland</span>

A driving licence in Poland is a document issued by the relevant government agency, regional or local government, confirming the rights of the holder to drive motor vehicles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">National identity cards in the European Economic Area</span> Identity cards issued by member states of the European Economic Area

National identity cards are issued to their citizens by the governments of most European Economic Area (EEA) member states, the exceptions are Denmark and Ireland. Ireland however issues a passport card which is a valid document in the EEA and Switzerland. Denmark issues simpler identity cards that are not valid as travel documents. From 2 August 2021, new identity cards are harmonized as a common identity card model replaced the various formats already in use.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Driver's license</span> Document allowing one to drive a motorized vehicle

A driver's license, driving licence, or driving permit is a legal authorization, or the official document confirming such an authorization, for a specific individual to operate one or more types of motorized vehicles—such as motorcycles, cars, trucks, or buses—on a public road. Such licenses are often plastic and the size of a credit card.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Norwegian identity card</span> National identity card of Norway

The Norwegian identity card, commonly referred to as the national identity card in Norway, is a non-compulsory biometric identity document issued since 30 November 2020. It is one of two official identity documents issued by the Norwegian Police Service, the other being the Norwegian passport. It is only issued to Norwegian citizens, and may indicate citizenship so that it can be used as a travel document facilitating freedom of movement within the European Free Trade Association and the European Economic Area. For travel within the Nordic countries no identity documentation is legally required for Nordic citizens due to the Nordic Passport Union.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Passports of the EFTA member states</span>

Passports of the EFTA member states are passports issued by the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) member states Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. EFTA is in this article used as a common name for these countries.

References

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