The European Union Affairs Committee: In the future, accompanied 17-year-old drivers will be able to drive across Europe

Chairman of the European Union Affairs Committee Peeter Tali said that Estonia had entered into negotiations two years ago with the view that young persons aged at least 16 years could have the right of accompanied driving of vehicles in category B throughout the EU, as such a solution had been in use in Estonia for years.

“As minors have not had the right to drive in many Member States, this proposal was not supported. However, as a compromise, the directive will in the future give the drivers who have reached the age of 17 years the right of accompanied driving,” Tali said. “A very positive change is that, in the future, young drivers will not have to pass a new national test or exchange their driving licence when they reach the age of 18 years, and the right of accompanied driving will apply throughout the European Union.”

To transpose the Directive, Estonia has to amend its regulations on limited driving rights. This does not mean, however, that 16-year-olds will no longer be allowed to drive with an accompanying person in Estonia – they can drive with an instructor as part of their driving practice. Currently, the requirements for instructors are stricter than those for a person accompanying a young driver, but the amending of the requirements can also be considered when the Directive will be transposed.

In addition, the Directive aims to give drivers who have reached the age of 17 years the right of accompanied driving of motor vehicles in category C1 and C. As a compromise, Estonia agrees to support that the accompanied driving scheme for vehicles in category C1 and C applies across the EU or as a national option.

If the directive enters into force in its current form, the amended accompanied driving scheme will apply in Estonia from 2029.

At the sitting of the European Union Affairs Committee, Ministry of Climate Deputy Secretary General for Mobility Sander Salmu gave an overview of the revised positions of the Government regarding the proposed Driving Licence Directive.

The European Union Affairs Committee decided to approve the positions of the Government by consensus, taking also into account the opinion of the Economic Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu.

Riigikogu Press Service
Merilin Kruuse
+372 631 6592; +372 510 6179
merilin.kruuse@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee

Link uudisele: The European Union Affairs Committee: In the future, accompanied 17-year-old drivers will be able to drive across Europe

Source: Parliament of Estonia