A new credit card-sized plastic driving licence will be introduced from today, in Ireland and across the EU.

The new smaller card, for learners and full licences, will replace the current paper licence in an EU-wide change to upgrade all licences with microchips, to combat fraud.

The paper licence will still be valid for a maximum of 10 years until their expiry date.

Fine Gael MEP Jim Higgins says the new licence will have the option of becoming an organ donor.