EU drivers to have a common license

BRUSSELS - Drivers across the European Union will be able to use a common drivers licence in the coming years, doing away with more than 100 different versions as the EU moves to improve road safety and reduce fraud.

EU transport ministers agreed on the new licence on Monday after resolving differences over how long a common licence would be valid.

It will take, however, up to 26 years for the 25-nation bloc to replace the myriad of licences already issued.

The plan seeks to cut down on so-called "driving licence tourism" where people unable to get a licence in one EU state go to another member country to do so.

"The European driving licence is of vital importance for road safety and for the fight against fraud," Transport Commissioner Jacques Barrot said in a statement.

"All drivers will have clear, modern licenses that will be accepted in all member states." Last year, the European Parliament voted to streamline licences in the EU, saying paper documents used in some member states should be replaced by a "credit card" model.

After the rules take effect later this year, member states will have until 2012 to start issuing the new licences to first-time drivers.

EU transport ministers from countries that offer life-long driving rights, like Germany, had opposed a proposal for short validity periods for the new licences.

The EU's executive Commission said the licences would be valid for 10 years although member states would be able to raise that to 15 years.

The rules aim to improve safety on European roads by introducing a licence for mopeds and requiring practical and theoretical tests for drivers of big motorcycles.

The European Parliament is expected to give its final approval to the rules later this year.

- REUTERS