The European Parliament adopted on Wednesday the negotiating position for new rules on driving licenses in the European Union, supporting the proposal to lower the minimum age for drivers, including truck drivers, to 17 years old.
With 339 votes in favor, 240 against, and 37 abstentions, Members of the European Parliament endorsed the proposal, which includes reducing the minimum age to 17 years old for obtaining a license to drive cars or trucks, as long as an experienced driver accompanies them.
The proposal also includes, among other measures, a two-year zero tolerance period for newly licensed drivers regarding driving under the influence of alcohol, and stricter penalties for unsafe driving.
Although the Member States have already adopted their negotiating position last December, the conclusion of the dossier will only take place after the European elections that will take place in June.
The decision made by the European Parliament is being contested by the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC), which reminded Members of Parliament that, from a road safety perspective, the minimum age for truck drivers in the EU should be 21 years old – that is the current “recommended” minimum. Safety advocates see no justification for encouraging 17-year-old teenagers to drive trucks.
“This legislation was introduced under the banner of a road safety package – but frankly, if we encourage a large number of teenagers to drive trucks, the consequences will be devastating. We hope that policymakers take a step back and reconsider the consequences of these changes before voting on plans that will make our roads more dangerous for everyone.”, said Ellen Townsend, policy director at ETSC, in a statement.
