French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne has announced that, from January 2024, the driving license can be obtained from the age of 17, compared to 18 at present. The decision, which follows the rise of license-free cars, has been met with mixed reactions, with some supporting it for reasons of mobility and independence for young people, while others criticize the increased risk of road accidents , not to mention the potential environmental consequences.
Elisabeth Borne, the French Prime Minister, announced: From January 2024, it will be possible to pass the driving license from the age of 17 and drive from the age of 17 “. This is a major change from the current age of 18, even for those who have taken accompanied driving. The driving landscape in France is therefore preparing for a substantial transformation. But the announcement sparked a divided reaction among experts and the general public.
Until now, accompanied driving has enabled many young people to gain valuable experience behind the wheel, passing their B driving license at the age of 17. However, the possibility of driving alone is only offered from the age of 18. It is this precise point that the French government wishes to revise. From January 2024, these young drivers will be able to hit the road alone from the age of 17.
Divided opinions
Pierre Chasseray, general delegate of 40 million motorists, openly supported this reform. This is a view shared by many young people, especially those who live in areas where public transport is limited or non-existent.
However, the announcement also drew criticism. Anne Lavaud, director general of the association Prévention Routière, said that this decision was “not really not a good idea “, emphasizing the risk of increasing the number of road accidents, the leading cause of death among young people aged 18 to 24.
So why this decision? One of the major reasons mentioned is the evolution of the automobile market. Cars without a licence, such as the Citroën Ami, are accessible to young people from the age of 14. These vehicles offer increased mobility without requiring the full training of a driver’s license, thus posing questions in terms of road safety.
Allowing young people to pass the driving license at 17 could therefore be a response to this boom. The aim is not only to guarantee adequate training for young drivers, but also to offer them better mobility. This can be crucial for those who need to get to work, especially for young apprentices, where access to public transport may be limited.
On the other hand, it is important to take into account the potential environmental consequences of this decision. Indeed, the average distance traveled by car per day is 26 km. If each additional young driver travels this distance, it will lead to a significant increase in greenhouse gas emissions, thus contributing to global warming.
The use of active mobility such as walking or cycling, or the use of public transport, has a much lower carbon footprint.
On the one hand, there are therefore those who see in this decision an opportunity to increase the independence of young people and to respond to the evolution of the automobile market. On the other hand, voices are raised to underline the risk that this can represent for road safety and the environment.
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