Towards a 100% digital driving licence: challenges and prospects

Created in 1893, the driving test remains a step towards freedom for young people in France and Europe. The driving test has undergone a number of changes in recent years. New locations for driving tests have been created, with private partners, creating opportunities for cheating. But it is above all digitisation that has taken on great importance throughout the driving test. With a European objective for 2030: the digital driving licence. Here are some explanations.

New places to take the Highway Code test

Since 2016, the theory test has undergone a real revolution. The theory test for the driving licence has been entrusted to 5 private operators approved by the Ministry of the Interior. You will be familiar with La Poste, but there are also Bureau Veritas and Dekra. There are several reasons for this choice.

Reduced waiting times

Candidates had to wait several weeks to take the test because of a lack of available places. This solution makes it possible to increase the number of examination centres and improve waiting times.

Licence inspectors released

By outsourcing the theory part, inspectors can concentrate more on the practical test (driving).

An efficient territorial network

Private operators are opening new centres in areas that were previously poorly served. This improves geographical accessibility for all applicants.

Modernising examinations

Private operators have introduced digital tools to efficiently manage the organisation of examinations. Slots can be booked online and results can be accessed quickly on the internet.

Fraudulent practices in the new driving test centres

While the increase in the number of test centres has enabled many candidates to obtain their Highway Code, it has also created what some describe as massive fraud. Numerous publications on social networks are offering people the chance to obtain their driving licence for around a hundred euros. Without going anywhere. Accomplice examiners allow an individual who knows the Highway Code well to take the test in place of the person who has registered.

A few hours later, the pass certificate is sent so that the candidate can go to a driving school for the practical part of the test. It was at this stage that the cheating was revealed. In fact, despite the certificate of passing the Highway Code, the candidates had not mastered the basics, such as giving way to the right! These warnings from driving school managers led the authorities to set out on the hunt for cheats, using the Polex tool (exam police). Using artificial intelligence, it detects anomalies such as abnormally high pass rates in certain centres.

A high-performance tool to help digitise driving licences in complete security

While the digitisation of driving licences is inevitable, the current system is showing its limitations. These are the findings of a report on the French TV programme Envoyé Spécial. The security of online and face-to-face tests is a decisive factor in the continued modernisation of the driving test.

TestWe can provide genuine technical and human guarantees. The platform is a leader in the management of face-to-face and remote examinations. It can easily support the transition to more secure but also more accessible examinations. For several years now, TestWe has been demonstrating its ability to prevent cheating situations, such as the use of AI during assessments.

A European commitment to a digital driving licence by 2030

France is not alone in wanting to modernise its driving licence: Europe wants to introduce a digital licence, accessible via mobile phone. An agreement to this effect was reached on 25/03/2025.

In addition to this technological advance, new rules will be applied, such as :

– Training on the use of mobile phones and driving in dangerous conditions;

– A 15-year validity period for motorbike and car licences.

Europeans have chosen to make life easier for their citizens. They have adopted an arsenal of rules to improve road safety with a Vision Zero strategy: fewer road accidents, fewer people injured or killed on the roads.

A website to help you obtain a driving licence

The French authorities have set up a website to support driving licence applicants. From registering for the driving test to renewing the document, you can track the progress of your application.

The site is also connected to other government platforms, such as those for car registration, passports and identity cards.