The reform allowing people to pass their driving license from the age of 17 from 2024 is a measure eagerly awaited by many young people, enthusiastic about the idea of gaining independence and easier mobility earlier. For students in vocational training, no longer depending on their parents for transportation is a joyful prospect.
That said, how will the exam system absorb this wave of new learners, when there is already a shortage of examiners?
Parents torn between autonomy and security
If the increased autonomy of their children is generally appreciated by parents, especially in rural areas where traveling is complicated without a license, many are however worried about road risks with younger and inexperienced drivers.
Safety on the roads is by far their main concern. Some fear an increase in accidents involving young license holders. Others believe that 17 is still a reasonable age to start driving independently. But the majority of parents share this double question between freedom and prudence.
A heavy financial investment to assume for families
If obtaining a license from the age of 17 is an opportunity in terms of mobility, it also represents a very significant financial investment for families.
The average cost of driving school training alone is estimated between 1000 and 2000 euros. And you also have to plan for the possible purchase of a vehicle, which further increases the allocated budget. Many low-income households worry about their ability to afford such expenses. Help exists, but the procedures are often complex.
Driving schools that are quickly saturated fear traffic jams
The number of applicants for driving licenses will inevitably jump with this reform. Driving school professionals quickly fear being overwhelmed and not being able to absorb such an influx, as they are not designed to train so many young drivers. Without an increase in their reception and supervision capacities, the time taken to obtain driving and coding courses will lengthen by several months. Traffic jams in registrations can be expected very quickly once the reform comes into force.
License exams slowed down by lack of inspectors
The other bottleneck to be expected is at the level of practical driving license tests. The chronic lack of examination places and inspectors will inevitably extend the delays by several weeks or months to be able to present themselves on D-day. The shortage of examiners already observed in many departments will thus be aggravated with the influx of candidates aged 17. Even if recruitment is scheduled, it will take time to absorb the surplus of exams.
An implementation to think about so as not to saturate the system
If the lowering of the driving age is good news for the autonomy of young people, this major reform involves significant challenges to be met, between costs, saturation of driving schools and congestion of exams. Supporting measures are necessary to avoid traffic jams and enable implementation in good conditions.
My name is Ethan, I’m 30 years old, and I’m the founder of this magazine. After studying journalism, I quickly decided to go freelance to be able to write as I wanted and talk about my true passions. I aim to create an information hub where French and international news is treated seriously and with insight. My goal is to illuminate the daily lives of my readers and encourage an in-depth understanding of current issues.
