The ETF disapproves of the outcome of the final trilogue on the Driving License Directive, which was approved early Tuesday morning. The Council and the European Parliament have reached an agreement to lower the minimum age for driving a truck from 21 to 18, and for driving a bus from 24 to 21, within the EU. Additionally, Member States are permitted to allow 17-year-olds to drive trucks or vans within their territory, provided they are accompanied by an experienced driver. This is somehow offset by the introduction of a newly established two-year probationary period, during which new drivers will be subject to stricter regulations or sanctions if they fail to adhere to safety rules or engage in alcohol consumption while driving.
The EU institutions gave in to industry pressures to address the driver shortage by lowering the age for entry into the profession. However, this measure is unlikely to resolve the issue. With declining pay and deteriorating working conditions, the sector will continue to be unattractive to young people.
The ETF has repeatedly raised concerns that allowing a teenager to drive a 40-tonne lorry or a 21-year-old to drive a bus risks serious consequences for road safety, according to data from countries that already permit it. Research shows that HGV drivers aged 18-20 caused a much higher number of collisions resulting in personal injury, in relation to the number of licences registered for that age group, when compared to all other HGV age groups. That proportion decreases considerably up to 24 years and remains stable in older age groups.
The ETF will continue to review the agreement to analyse its implications for drivers in Europe.
