The European Parliament gave its backing for an EU driving licence to be introduced within 20 years, in a vote.

The single European licence should replace the 110 currently existing different nationality driving licences across the EU.

The new licence will have to be renewed every 10 years with a new photo, and it should include anti-falsification measures – with a possibility for member states to introduce a microchip.

MEPs also gave the go-ahead to the introduction of a European driving licence information network. Member states will set up a single point of access with information on drivers from other countries, which should prevent those with restricted or suspended licences to get one in a different state.

However, MEPs did not approve of medical checks for drivers, or a blanket restriction for the over-65s, as suggested by the European Commission.

The newly approved licence system leaves it up to member states to make rules for professional drivers licences, or for fines and disqualification.