17 year olds behind the wheel – what changes in driving licences?

The European Council has approved a draft law on reviewing the Directive on the issuance of driving licences, with the main aim of allowing driving from the age of 17.

The requirement to drive a car will be for a 17-year-old before reaching the age of majority Have an adult in the right seat. However, an accompanying adult must be present Older than 24 years And I have At least five years of driving experience. Naturally, the adult must not have lost his license in the past five years due to traffic violations.

Meanwhile, although the measure will be applied throughout the European Union, The 17-year-old will only be able to drive in his home country and not in other countries on the continent, until he reaches puberty. Otherwise, you must obtain the diploma at the age of 17 years Successfully pass current written and practical driving tests Every European country.

EE's announcement of the approval of the specific bill, as is natural, sparked several discussions. Generally Road safety experts support this law – After all, driving with an escort from the age of 17 It is already allowed in Germany and France.

In both countries, people who are 17 years old must First, pass the regular exams To obtain a driving license. Then they get one Temporary driving licenceAnd then – if they are not guilty of serious misconduct – they get it Their regular certificate once they reach the age of majority.

In France, new drivers must complete at least 20 hours of practical driving lessons. “The German model seems to be the safest for us.” He said no Enrique Lorca, President of the European Driving Schools Association (EFA). “We believe that it is necessary, in order to reduce traffic accidents, that those present also receive the required training so that their impact on the young driver is the right one.”he added.

A few months ago, Spain's Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) announced its intention to do just that Approved for B1 driving license. This is the step before the B license, as it were Allowing young people over the age of 16 to drive certain vehicles – Such as quad bikes whose maximum speed does not exceed 60 km/h.

The purpose of the B1 license is It makes leadership more accessible to young people Who show less interest in it and at the same time Promoting electric mobilitysince most L1 cars currently on sale (eg Citroen Ami)electric.

A DGT spokesperson said: “The big difference between drivers over the age of 18 and under is that if a minor commits a traffic violation, their parents or legal guardians are jointly and severally liable, which means that they must pay the legal fines and account for the resulting damages. In the event that a minor commits a traffic violation The police will determine the procedure, but in no case can the criminal law be applied to the minor.”

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