The European Parliament approves that young people can drive from the age of 17.
Until the age of majority, you must be accompanied by an experienced driver.
BrusselsThe European Parliament has given the final green light to the legal reform that will allow Young people can get their driver's license at 17 years old. Of course, the condition is that minors must be accompanied by an experienced driver. The European Union measure is part of a package of measures aimed at improving road safety and reducing road accidents, especially for drivers under 30 years of age. Although this population group only represents 8% of all Europeans with a license,are involved in two out of every five accidents, according to data from the European Commission itself.
The EU rules ratified on Tuesday also establish a mandatory probationary period of at least two years for novice drivers, who "will have to comply with stricter rules and face tougher penalties if they drive under the influence of alcohol or do not use seat belts or reminder systems.
In addition, and with the aim of mitigating the shortage of professional drivers in the transport sector, the European bloc will now allow truck driving licenses to be acquired from the age of 18, and bus driving licenses from the age of 21.
In addition, all member states will have to train aspiring drivers in aspects such as mobile phone use while driving, the dangers of blind spots and driving in adverse weather conditions, such as snow, rain and ice. Along the same lines, a probationary period of at least two years will be established for the first time for drivers who have just passed their driving test, who will be subject to stricter controls and penalties if they drive under the influencethe effects of alcohol or drugs, or if they don't wear their seatbelt.
Digital ID
The European Union will also require state administrations to implement a digital license system that aims to make life easier for drivers, facilitate the exchange of information between Member States, and enhance interstate prosecution of those sanctioned. According to European Union data, around 40% of sanctions imposed on citizens not resident in the Member State where they committed the violation went unpunished because the driver could not be identified or failed to pay the fine. The new system will also make it more difficult for drivers whose licenses have been revoked in one Member State to drive in another without any problems.
Driving licenses will be valid for a maximum of 15 years, and Member States will have the option of reducing this period to 10 years. Truck and bus licenses will have to be renewed more frequently, every five years. Furthermore, the EU invites states to reduce these periods for drivers aged 65 or over, and may increase their medical examinations.
New rules will be published shortly Official Journal of the European Union and will enter into force twenty days later. Once they are in force, Member States will have three years to transpose them into national legislation and will have an additional year to prepare for their implementation.
