On Tuesday at noon, MEPs are expected to confirm an update to EU driving licence rules as well as changes to ensure the disqualification of foreign reckless drivers. With almost 20,000 lives lost on EU roads annually, Parliament wants to make sure the rules help to make roads safer.

The new rules bring in additional requirements for learner drivers, who will have to know about blind spot and phone usage risks and be more aware of pedestrians, children, cyclists and other vulnerable road users. Other innovations include: a new digital driving licence accessible via a smartphone; a probationary period of at least two years for new drivers; accompanied driving for 17-year-olds; and the possibility to obtain a professional truck driving licence from the age of 18, and a bus driving licence from the age of 21.

In addition, a driving licence withdrawal, suspension or restriction abroad will have to be communicated to the EU country that issued the driving licence in order to enforce the…