A facelift on the roads of France. In just a few days, from January 1, 2024, it will now be possible to get your driving license from the age of 17. This was announced by Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne on June 20 in an interview with Brut.
Until now, minors could drive accompanied, but it was impossible to obtain a license before turning 18. Several associations fear an increase in accidents and risky driving on the road. And we asked our readers what they thought about it.
“17 years old is way too young! »
The majority of testimonies collected wonder if at 17 years old, we have all the reflexes to take the wheel alone. And this while according to the National Interministerial Road Safety Observatory (ONISR), a novice driver (less than three years of license, or two if he has done accompanied driving) is four times more likely to be involved in a fatal accident.
Jean-Claude gives us his point of view. “At 17, we don’t always have the reflexes of safety and vigilance. The license at that age will simply lead to an increase in accidents, and huge traffic problems,” he predicts. Same story for Isabelle: “It’s anxiety, 17 years old is much too young…”.
What better than a young person to decide? “I think that at our age, we are not yet capable of making good driving decisions…” says Jules. He continues: “My father always told me that a good driver is one who anticipates the mistakes of others. At 17 years old, I’m not sure I have the perspective to achieve it,” confides the young man without shame.
“I hope the State thinks carefully about the consequences…”
The government hopes that this lowering of the legal age will allow young people to gain independence earlier, particularly for those who live in isolated areas. However, some still do not view this reform favorably. “Putting too much power in the hands of young drivers is counterproductive,” warns Bruno, who has worked in road safety for twenty years.
“I got my license in 1996, at 18, and it took me a lot of years to really find my feet. Driving in the city can be suitable, yes, but on the highway, it is too dangerous,” says Bisma, “Why not further develop public transport, for example? », asks this mother.
Annie calls for the responsibility of the State. “The government is not thinking about the consequences. I hope that the sanctions will be the same as for adults,” she says. As for Éric, he wonders about the origins of this measure. “Finally, isn’t this a way to increase the number of offenses, and therefore state revenue? Because we know, the young population is more likely to commit traffic offenses,” he explains, a bit suspiciously.
” Why not… “
While many are therefore resistant, others see it as progress. Like Kevin. “This is an undeniable advantage for access to work and autonomy, especially for young people who live in rural areas. Or even if they want to go out, alone, with family, with friends, or as a couple. »
André, 71, from another generation, also welcomes the initiative. “At 17, you can drive alone. Young people today are more mature than in the past. I am very supportive of it! “, he proclaims. “Finally, why not?…” concedes Eléonore.
“My son is 16 years old and I accompany him in accompanied driving. With our experience, I will be confident in leaving him behind the wheel alone at 17,” reveals Adeline. But the mother doubts the obligatory 20 hours of lessons with the driving school before attempting the license. “Too fragile”, according to her.