To divide
Because they contribute more frequently to traffic accidents, new drivers should expect stricter driver’s license rules. The EU is discussing several innovations.
Munich – There are some special regulations for novice drivers. During the two-year probationary period, drinking and driving are absolutely taboo. If you exceed the speed limit too often, your driver’s license will also be confiscated. The EU is now planning new regulations that would significantly restrict new drivers. Elderly people would also be affected by changes to driver’s licenses.
New driver’s license guidelines aim to reduce the number of traffic deaths
There has already been a big change to driving licenses in early 2023. Many drivers need to exchange their paper driver’s license for a credit card. In order to increase road safety, the responsible committee of the EU Parliament is now debating new innovations. The background is the “Vision Zero” security strategy.
The strategy aims to reduce the number of people seriously injured and killed in traffic to zero, as explained by the German Road Safety Council. According to the Federal Statistical Office (Destase), 2,788 people died in traffic accidents in Germany alone in 2022. The number of injuries was 361,134 people.
EU justifies new driving license regulations by saying novice drivers are risk averse
The EU therefore mainly targets those whose risk of accidents is potentially increased. Elderly people may therefore have to undergo regular fitness to drive tests in the future. Even novice drivers are not spared from the strictest regulations. As the Commission explains, they are “generally less risk averse and statistically more likely to be involved in road accidents and to be victims of fatal road accidents”. The Commission believes that restrictions are necessary to counter this situation.
With the change in driving license guidelines, novice drivers may face some new rules. © Frank Sorge/imago
Among other things, there is talk of a special speed limit outside the city: novice drivers, for example, can only drive a maximum of 90 km/h on motorways – and therefore not much faster than trucks. Furthermore, the Commission is trying to impose the possibility of night driving bans. “Member states may establish special rules for novice drivers to restrict driving at night, from midnight to 6am,” the draft report says.
Overview of all planned restrictions for new drivers
- Speed limits for novice drivers out of town
- Possibility to impose Prohibition of driving at night, approximately 12pm to 6am
- A uniform minimum age when issuing a driver’s license
- New Class “B+” driving license
A uniform minimum age for issuing driving licenses is also foreseen. This is intended to ensure that stricter rules for novice drivers can be implemented more easily in the EU. The commission intends to introduce a new class B+ driving license for heavy cars weighing from 1.8 tonnes. Drivers who want to drive SUVs or electric cars, which are often heavier than other cars, must therefore obtain an additional license – although this should only be possible from the age of 21.
So far the changes are just suggestions. The project must be discussed in parliament, after which member states decide on its implementation into national legislation. Although there has been strong criticism from politicians, the majority of Germans are at least in favor of introducing driving ability tests. (tt)