Europe moves closer to single driving licence

More than 200 million Europeans who currently hold licences for cars, motorcycles, buses, vans and trucks will be able obtain a new licence, valid for up to 15 years. Permits for trucks and buses will be valid for five years.

There will be a graduated licensing system for motorcycle riders. Newer motorcyclists will be required to gain experience on smaller motorcycles before moving to more powerful bikes.

Member states will also have the option to introduce regular medical exams for drivers.

An EU licence for car drivers will be issued by 2012. Governments have 20 years to phase out current permits. A single European driving licence will replace drivers' licences for life in Belgium, France, Austria and Germany.

"Banned drivers will no longer be able to obtain a duplicate licence in another member state," said Belgian conservative lawmaker Mathieu Grosch, charged with steering the legislation through the European Parliament's Transport Committee.

EU member states approved the measure in March. The full 732-member assembly will vote on the directive in December in Strasbourg in a final step.