NOVEMBER 2025
New Rules for French Driving Licenses: What You Need to Know
New European rules are on the way — and they’ll affect every driver in France. If you’re behind the wheel, here’s what to expect, when it will happen, and how it might affect you, especially if you’re over 65.
🚗 How Long Will Your License Last?
The biggest change is about license validity.
From now on, your French driving license will be valid for a maximum of 10 years.
Across Europe, the general limit is 15 years for car and motorcycle licenses — but in France, since the card also serves as an identity document, it will expire sooner. The goal is “to keep information and photos up to date, and to make sure drivers remain fit to drive.”
🕐 For Drivers Over 65
Member states — including France — may decide to shorten the renewal period for older drivers.
This could mean you’ll have to renew your license more often after 65.
🟢 Good to know:
Renewing doesn’t always mean retaking the driving test. It’s mostly about checking your health and updating your photo.
👩⚕️ New Medical Checks
Getting or renewing your driving license will now require a medical visit.
This includes:
- Vision tests (eye health and sight clarity)
- Heart and circulation checks
These are designed to make sure all drivers — especially seniors — stay safe on the road.
More Frequent Checks for Seniors
Drivers aged 65 and over may be asked to complete medical visits or refresher driving courses more often than younger drivers.
But there’s some flexibility:
Each EU country can choose to replace these medical visits with self-assessment forms or other systems designed nationally.
💬 According to the European Parliament’s press release (October 21, 2025): “Other national evaluation systems can replace medical visits.”
🧭 When Will These Rules Apply?
Don’t worry — you have plenty of time!
France and other EU countries have:
- 3 years to adopt the new rules into national law, and
- 1 more year to put them into practice.
In total, that’s up to four years before the reforms fully apply in France.
📅 Timeline at a glance:
Reform announced in 2025 → Implementation expected by around 2029
Summary. The New Rules at a Glance
| What changes | What it means |
| License validity | 15 years in the EU, 10 years in France |
| Older drivers | May face shorter validity periods |
| Medical checks | Required before issue and renewal |
| Health focus | Eyesight and heart exams |
| Alternative systems | Possible self-assessment forms |
| Timeline | 3 years to adopt, +1 year to apply |