The Federal Republic is once again forced by a European Directive (2006/126/EC) to amend existing laws. However, the Directive will be converted into national law. From 2013 on, newly acquired driving licences will have to be extended after 15 years, the same will later also apply to drivers who have their old driving licence rewritten in the EU card driver’s license, but good news has been given to Transport Minister Tiefensee for the population, there will be no health test. in other European countries (Italy, Spain, the Netherlands), so “only” the usual government costs will come to us. Source: Auto Bild 4/09 of 23 January 2009