Empower young, skilled drivers

The EPP Group is firmly committed to improving safety across Europe, underlining that even one accident is one too many. The EPP Group is dedicated to its drive for safer roads without burdening European citizens.

“Driving is not just about getting from A to B, it's about empowerment. Unfairly penalising older drivers or slamming the brakes on younger drivers' opportunities only leads to more problems down the road," stresses Elżbieta Łukacijewska MEP, the EPP Group's lead negotiator on the Driving Licence law, ahead of the plenary vote on new rules for driving licences in Europe.

The EPP Group is opposed to compulsory mass medical examinations as the sole means of verifying fitness to drive, particularly if they are based on age factors rather than objective medical conditions. The different national systems already in place must be recognised, as they are often much cheaper and highly efficient. There can be no one-size-fits-all solution. 

At the same time, the EPP Group supports initiatives to make it easier for young people to enter the professional driving sector, including lowering the age for professional driving licences under strict conditions and allowing accompanied driving. This is crucial given the significant youth unemployment and shortage of professional drivers in the EU.

“Let's give young drivers the chance to get to grips with heavy-duty vehicles with experienced mentors at their side. It's a win-win: young drivers gain valuable experience and more experienced drivers benefit from much-needed help”, says Łukacijewska, adding that the EPP Group also rejects the notion that novice drivers should be obliged to use cars with limited power.

“But we're not stopping there. We're increasing convenience for all Europeans with our concept of a mobile driving licence or its interim version. Whether you need a new licence in another EU country or have lost your licence abroad, we'll make sure the replacement process runs like a well-oiled machine," Łukacijewska concludes.