The European Parliament is debating a proposal that could bring a significant change to the process of obtaining a driving license in several European Union countries. The measure aims to respond to current challenges in the road sector and promises to generate impact both for young people and the job market.
According to Notícias de Coimbra, the need for professional drivers led the European Parliament to propose significant changes to the minimum ages for obtaining a driver’s license. The measure comes as a response to the shortage of truck and bus drivers, whilst simultaneously seeking to facilitate young people’s access to the job market.
Age reduction for trucks and buses
According to the proposal, 18-year-olds will be able to obtain a license to drive trucks or buses with up to 16 passengers. However, they will be required to hold a certificate of professional aptitude (CAP), ensuring that they have adequate training to carry out the activity in a safe and responsible manner.
Driving license at 17: how will it work?
Another controversial and innovative measure provides that 17-year-olds can obtain a driving license for cars or trucks, as long as they drive accompanied by an experienced driver. This model, already applied in some European countries, such as Germany, aims to introduce young people to supervised driving, promoting practical experience before they reach the minimum age for independent driving.
As the European Parliament website explains, the idea is to allow young people to start acquiring driving skills earlier, reducing the number of accidents associated with inexperienced drivers.
The issue of road safety
The European Parliament’s proposal comes in a context in which road safety continues to be a priority in European policies. Although lowering the minimum age raises concerns regarding the experience and maturity of younger drivers, MEPs believe that supervision by experienced drivers, combined with rigorous professional training, could mitigate the risks.
On the other hand, critics warn of the possibility of an increase in accidents involving younger drivers, pointing out the need to reinforce road education and practical training programs.
A solution to the driver shortage
The European Parliament’s proposal comes as a response to the crisis of professional drivers, particularly in the freight and passenger transport sector. This shortage, worsened by the pandemic and the aging of the active population, has created significant difficulties in logistics and public transport in several European Union countries.
With this measure, legislators hope to attract young people to the profession, offering them an earlier entry into the job market and creating conditions to guarantee the functioning of sectors dependent on road transport.
What changes in Portugal?
If approved, this proposal will have to be implemented by Member States, including Portugal, which will be able to adapt the rules to their reality. Currently, the minimum age for obtaining driver’s licenses in Portugal varies between 16 years old (mopeds) and 24 years old (large displacement motorcycles), with 18 years old being the reference for most categories.
The introduction of these changes in the country must undergo national regulation and adjustments to training and road inspection programs.
The future of driving for young people
While the proposal is still under discussion and pending final approval, it is clear that the company is committed to balancing economic needs with road safety with this driver’s license change. For young people, this measure represents an opportunity to start their driving experience earlier, but also a commitment to additional training and responsibility.
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