France must comply with EU directive by 2028

France is required to adjust its driver’s license renewal process to a 15-year period by October 2028, as mandated by the European directive 2025/2205. The directive was passed in October 2025 with 339 votes in favor and 240 against, giving France three years to implement the necessary changes.

Renewal process will involve millions of drivers

The reform will affect millions of French drivers, as the current system involves 900,000 medical examinations annually for professional drivers. If the renewal process is generalized, this number could increase five to seven times, requiring significant infrastructure to manage the volume.

Online self-questionnaire is cheaper and preferred

The National Council for Road Safety (CNSR) recommends an online self-questionnaire over a mandatory medical exam for all drivers. This option would cost less than 10 euros per renewal, compared to 50 to 80 euros for a medical visit. The CNSR also notes that lying on the questionnaire could result in penalties from insurance providers.

Mandatory exams would be costly for households

If France chooses a mandatory medical examination, the cost would fall largely on households. With 38 million drivers holding license B, this would result in 2.5 million annual renewals. At an average cost of 60 euros per visit, the total annual cost would be 150 million euros, compared to 25 million for the digital option.

Digital integration aims to prevent fraud

The directive includes provisions for integrating driver’s licenses into the European digital identity portfolio, using a QR code to reduce counterfeiting. Full digitization could create a market worth several hundred million euros for digital service companies. French firms like Idemia and Thales are already competing for European contracts.

Other European countries have implemented models

Five out of 22 EU states—Italy, Denmark, the Netherlands, Finland, and Portugal—have already implemented the reform. The Netherlands uses a hybrid model with automatic renewal at 75 and periodic checks every 5 years. Italy mandates a medical visit every 10 years starting at 50, creating a 200 million euro annual market for medical centers.

Costs vary for seniors and younger drivers

For drivers over 65, the directive allows member states to reduce the validity period and require medical checks every 5 years. In France, this could cost 60 to 100 euros every five years, totaling 300 to 500 euros over 25 years. However, data shows that drivers aged 75 and older are responsible for 11% of fatal accidents, compared to 19% for those aged 18-24.

Implementation timeline remains uncertain

The French government has not yet decided on the exact timeline for the transition, which could be spread over three to five years to avoid administrative overload. Licenses issued after 2028 will have a 15-year validity, but a transitional plan for the 38 million current license holders is still being developed.

Private sector anticipates regulatory changes

Private companies are preparing for the new requirements, with online medical appointment platforms like Doctolib and Maiia developing tools for license renewals. Auto insurers are also exploring bundled offers that include financing for periodic medical checks, turning the regulation into a commercial opportunity.

France faces a choice between cost and safety

The reform requires significant investment in both public and private sectors, including digital modernization and reorganization of the health system. France has two years to decide between economic efficiency and safety requirements, a choice that will affect millions of drivers and shape the future of the European digital mobility market.