According to the text approved by the Member States – and which has yet to be formally adopted by the EU and the European Parliament – at the age of 17, holders of a driving license “can only drive if accompanied by a person, sitting on the seat next to the driver and who is capable of providing guidance”
The companion must be at least 24 years old and have had a driving license for five or more years.
Newly registered drivers will also have a period of at least two years of 'zero tolerance' for driving under the influence of alcohol, and sanctions must also be set in case of drug abuse.
Member States should also start issuing digital driving licenses.
With regard to changes to EU rules on road safety, Member States propose that three more offenses be added to the same: failure to comply with the rules relating to vehicle access restrictions, the offense of absconding and failure to comply with the rules applicable in level crossings.
In the case of a road traffic offense committed by a driver in another Member State, both the road traffic offense notification and follow-up documents must be sent in the language of the vehicle's registration document.
On the other hand, where the road traffic offense notification and other follow-up communications are sent in a language that the recipient does not understand, the person concerned should be allowed to request the follow-up documents in a different official EU language of their choice, distinct from the language of the vehicle registration document.
Once again, the young are unfairly targeted & penalised. It is a proven medical FACT that eyesight, reaction times and general awareness DETERIORATE with age, not improve! I am a professional driver who drove from the age of 17 and never had an accident. The real menace on Portuguese roads are senile drivers totally oblivious to their surroundings and other road users! There are too many older drivers who would never be able to pass another driving test if required - if you want safer roads, introduce mandatory re-tests every 3 years for everyone over 50!
By Zero from Algarve on 05 Dec 2023, 10:17
This seems like a very sensible development by the EU, digital licences will increase efficiency / reduce costs
By Pedro from Lisbon on 05 Dec 2023, 16:27