The division of opinions on driving licenses at 17 years old and its impact on motorcyclists

In January 2024, a significant reform of the driving license will come into effect, lowering the legal age to take the exam to 17 years. This measure has sparked debate within French society, with differing opinions on its effectiveness and implications for motorcyclists. This article analyzes the various viewpoints on this reform and explores its potential consequences for two-wheeled vehicle drivers.

The arguments in favor of the reform

Those who support the lowering of the minimum age to take the driving license exam to 17 years put forward several arguments. Among these are:

• Alignment with other European countries: in some EU member states, such as the United Kingdom or Germany, it is already possible to take the driving license exam at the age of 17.
• Longer learning period before the exam: this would allow young people to benefit from an extended learning period, increasing their driving experience and boosting their confidence on the road.
• Facilitating access to mobility and employment: having a driving license at 17 could promote access to the job market for young job seekers by enabling them to travel more easily and expand their job opportunities.

Examples from other European countries

The case of neighboring countries that have already implemented similar legislation is often cited as a model to follow. For example, in the United Kingdom, where it is possible to take the exam at 17, the accident rate involving novice drivers is lower than that observed in France. Proponents of the reform therefore believe that this lowering of the age could have a beneficial effect on road safety by providing young drivers with training tailored to their specific needs.

The arguments against the reform

However, this measure also faces strong opposition from those who believe it does not address the real issues of road safety and could even increase risks for certain categories of users, particularly motorcyclists. Among the arguments put forward by opponents of the reform are:

• Increased immaturity of drivers: it is often pointed out that young people may lack the experience and maturity to handle complex and potentially dangerous driving situations.
• Increased vulnerability for other users, particularly motorcyclists: as they are already particularly exposed to road accidents, some fear that including more inexperienced young drivers on the roads could worsen this situation.
• Low impact on road safety: for some, lowering the driving age is not an adequate solution to improve road safety and reduce the number of accidents. It would be better to focus on more targeted prevention measures, such as raising awareness of the risks associated with speed or driving under the influence of alcohol.

Risks for new drivers and motorcyclists

One of the major concerns raised by opponents of this reform is the potential increase in risks for motorcyclists. Indeed, they are already particularly vulnerable to road accidents - according to statistics, they represent about 18% of fatal victims in France while only making up 2% of traffic - and adding a large number of inexperienced young drivers on the road could create additional fatigue for motorcyclists who must be extra cautious in the face of this new generation of motorists. Moreover, despite the mandatory preparation courses for emergency situations and supervised driving for those under 25, it remains to be seen whether these training sessions will be sufficient to ensure the safety of new drivers and allow them to master their vehicles perfectly in order to avoid any incidents with motorcyclists.

In summary, the division of opinions on this measure reflects the magnitude of the debate surrounding road safety and the education of future drivers. Proponents of the reform advocate the idea that a younger age could be beneficial by allowing for longer learning and better integration into the job market. Conversely, opponents are more concerned about the potential immaturity and inexperience of young drivers as well as the increased vulnerability of motorcyclists on French roads.