A NEW Europe-wide driving licence is likely to move a step closer this month.

European Union ministers and MEPs are moving towards agreeing an EU-model credit card driving licence, with the European Parliament expected to give its final assent later this month.

The parliament’s transport committee has accepted a compromise regulation negotiated with the Council of Ministers that says all new licences from 2013 must follow the new model.

However, in a concession to member states, MEPs have agreed that they have until 2039 to replace every old-style paper licence in circulation.

A committee spokesman said: ‘I regret the length of this period, but I am confident that the changeover will in practice take place sooner.’