The year 2026 is shaping up to bring major changes for candidates seeking driving licences for both passenger cars and heavy vehicles. In this article, I will outline the most important changes expected after the New Year.
Starting January 1, 2026, 17-year-olds will be allowed to enroll in the course for a category B driving licence. This step will make car transportation more accessible to a broader group of people and improve mobility, especially in rural areas. While this change presents new opportunities, it also increases risk- teenagers tend to engage in more risky behaviours and are only beginning to gain life experience, while the road is a place that mercilessly exposes every mistake a driver makes.
It is worth noting the restrictions that will apply to 17-year-old drivers from next year:
- For the first six months, or until turning 18, driving will only be allowed with a supervising driver who meets specific requirements (minimum age 25 and at least 5 years of experience driving a passenger car).
- A three-year probationary period (or until the driver turns 20) will apply to young drivers. It is important to point out that for adult candidates, this period will last two years. The probationary period will impose strict rules on beginner drivers:
– Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of alcohol or other substances.
– Accumulating more than 12 penalty points will require completing practical training focused on road hazards.
– Committing two traffic offenses during this period will extend the probation by an additional two years. - Until turning 18, the young driver will not be allowed to perform paid transport services.
CE drive licence
For candidates pursuing a professional driving licence in category CE, the type of vehicle used for the exam will change. The currently used truck with a trailer (commonly known as a tandem) will be replaced by a tractor unit with a trailer. This is a response to the expectations of the transport industry, aiming to better prepare future drivers for real-world work conditions. The downside, however, is that it may reduce opportunities for less affluent candidates due to the high costs of introducing this new type of vehicle into driver training centres.
In conclusion, in the author’s opinion, these changes are necessary. The concept of a supervising driver accompanying young drivers is especially justified, as confirmed by its long-term use in Ireland. As for category CE professional licences, I believe that candidates should retain the freedom to choose whether to take the exam using a tractor-semi-trailer combination or a tandem, since this licence category offers a wide range of professional applications. Simply put, candidates should take the exam using the type of vehicle they expect to operate in the future.
Important note: All of these changes are expected to come into force, but it is wise to remain cautious and verify after the New Year whether they have been implemented as planned.
Author: Jakub Szyszlak
Source: https://www.gov.pl/web/infrastruktura/rada-ministrow-przyjela-projekt-mi-zwiekszajacy-bezpieczenstwo-na-drogach (26/11/2025)
