The new driver's license, which will begin to be issued at the end of 2012, will replace more than 110 models in effect in European countries. Externally, the new license will resemble a plastic card.
Despite the fact that driver's licenses will be unified in all EU countries, states will still have some room for choice. In particular, local authorities will decide on the use of microchips in licenses, as well as on extending the validity of a driver's license from the standard 10 years to 15 years.
The unified European license also provides for the unification of the procedure for taking exams and obtaining a driver's license. In addition to motorists, drivers of buses, trucks and motorcycles will receive the new documents.
The decision to unify driver's licenses has already been approved by the European Parliament in the first reading, but now it must be approved in the second reading. If this happens, then in 26 years all European motorists will receive new driver's licenses.