• MMC

The European Parliament recently voted on a major update to the driving license, aimed at enhancing road safety and facilitating cross-border travel. This reform will directly impact employees on international assignments, a key concern for companies, HR departments, and teams responsible for employee relocation.

Here are the key points to remember:

• Digital license: By 2030, it will be possible to present your driving license on your mobile phone. A physical version will still be available upon request if needed.

• Limited validity period: Car and motorcycle licenses will be valid for a maximum of 15 years, and 10 years in countries where the license is recognized as an official ID.

• European probationary period: From 2030, all new drivers will have a 2-year probationary period, harmonized across all Member States.

• Enhanced safety and traceability: A common digital system will allow European authorities to know if a foreign driver has a suspended or expired license. Thus, a French or Luxembourger who has lost their driving rights due to a serious offense will not be able to drive in another EU country.

• Facilitating business travel: The digital license will streamline cross-border journeys, offering a tangible advantage for expatriates and for companies managing international assignments or secondments.

This new system, voted on by MEPs on October 21, 2025, represents a significant step forward for road safety and professional mobility within Europe.

What does this mean for foreign employees coming to France?
For EU nationals coming to work in France, there is no immediate change: current European national licenses remain valid without exchange, as long as they are not expired.
With the new European license, expected by 2030, administrative exchanges between Member States will become unnecessary — the digital license will be automatically recognized throughout the EU.
Holders of non-EU licenses will still be subject to national rules (exchange within one year or reciprocity agreements).

An advantage for professional mobility
This reform represents a step toward smoother, safer, and more connected mobility — a benefit for companies whose employees frequently travel between different European countries.