Brussels is taking a bold step toward easing the EU’s chronic shortage of professional truck drivers with new rules that lower the legal driving age and open doors for younger workers to enter the freight and logistics sector.
On March 28, the European Council and Parliament provisionally agreed to reforms of the EU’s driving licence directive. Among the key measures: reducing the minimum age for truck drivers from 21 to 18, and for bus drivers from 24 to 21. There’s a catch, though—young applicants will need to hold a certificate of professional competence to qualify.
One of the most talked-about elements is the “accompanied driving” scheme. This allows 17-year-olds to get behind the wheel of heavy vehicles under the supervision of an experienced driver. The intent is clear—get young people into the industry sooner, with proper oversight. But the scheme isn’t mandatory. Member states can choose whether or not to implement it, which some industry voices argue could water down its impact.
Ton Klijn, Director of ESTA, voiced cautious support. “ESTA broadly supports the measures relevant to our members and is pleased that the EU is trying to take action to help deal with the shortage of drivers,” he said. Still, he warned that making the accompanied driver scheme optional could “lead to unnecessary confusion and reduce its potentially positive impact on driver numbers.”
The directive also introduces a digital driving licence across all EU countries—a move aimed at simplifying processes and boosting cross-border recognition. Another change updates the minimum fitness requirements for drivers, intended to align with current medical standards and safety expectations.
While the changes are still provisional, they represent a significant shift in how the EU plans to address an industry-wide issue that’s been quietly growing louder: too many loads, not enough drivers. According to logistics operators across Europe, delays and cost increases are often tied directly to driver availability, especially for oversized and project cargo where skill and certification are essential.
Now, with legal driving doors opening earlier and oversight mechanisms in place, the initiative could shape a more sustainable talent pipeline—if the implementation is consistent.
The reforms won’t kick in right away. First, they need formal approval by both the Council and European Parliament. After that, the directive enters into force 20 days post-publication in the Official Journal of the EU. Member states will then be responsible for bringing the directive into national law.
The stakes are high, especially in sectors like breakbulk and project freight, where delays ripple across supply chains. The coming months will show if Brussels’ bet on youth can actually drive long-term relief for Europe’s freight corridors.
