Status: 03/01/2023 3:50 p.m
Accompanied driving from the age of 17 should be allowed throughout the European Union. The initiative is part of a package of measures now presented by the EU Commission. The authority also wants to digitize the driver’s license.
The European Commission wants to reduce the number of road accidents in the EU and is proposing accompanied driving for everyone over the age of 17.
As is already possible in Germany and Austria, the EU Commission’s plan now envisages that young people can get their driver’s license at the age of 17 and be accompanied until they come of age.
Studies have shown that “lack of driving experience is associated with a higher probability of being involved in traffic accidents and serious violations of the road traffic regulations,” the commission said. A young driver under the age of 30 is involved in two out of five fatal accidents.
As a further measure, the Commission proposed a zero alcohol limit for at least the first two years after obtaining a driver’s license.
Accompanied driving from the age of 17 also for trucks
Accompanied driving across Europe from the age of 17 is to be introduced for category C driving licenses according to the Commission, in addition to category B driving licences. This may make a job in the transport sector more attractive for young people, it said.
If drivers commit traffic offenses in another EU country, they should also be more easily prosecuted through more powers for authorities and not be able to avoid a fine. According to the Commission, in 2019 the perpetrator was not identified or the fine was not paid for around 40 percent of cross-border violations.
EU Commission proposes digital driving licence
And the EU Commission is planning another innovation: In the future, drivers should be able to show their driver’s license on their cell phone at traffic checks or when renting a car.
“In the not too distant future, your driver’s license will be stored on your cell phone or other digital device,” said EU Commissioner Adina Valean. This means that “the small piece of plastic will be a thing of the past”. However, you will still be able to apply for a driving license in card form.
Again and again discussion about digital driver’s license
One of the aims of the EU Commission’s proposal, which the EU states and the European Parliament should now negotiate in the same way as the rest of the proposed package of measures, is to reduce the administrative burden. Digital driving licenses should therefore be easier to replace, renew or exchange.
In the past, the digital driver’s license was repeatedly discussed in Germany – so far without success. In 2021, an app commissioned by the then black-red federal government was withdrawn after just one week. Experts had previously pointed out possible security gaps in the app.