Earlier this week, the European Union announced a proposal that would allow 17-year-olds to obtain a driving licence, provided they drive under supervision until turning 18.

The measure is part of a broader revision of the EU Driving Licence Directive, aimed at improving road safety by giving young drivers more supervised experience.

However, Transport Minister Chris Bonett made it clear during a national conference that the Maltese government is firmly against this proposal and will vote against it at EU level.

“We believe this is not the right direction for Malta. We do not support lowering the driving age,” the Minister stated.

The comments came during the same press conference where Minister Bonett unveiled a series of new transport measures to tackle Malta’s ongoing traffic crisis. These included:

A €25,000 grant for drivers who surrender their car and licence for five years

A €6,000 scooter scheme for 17-year-olds who delay getting a car licence

The Scooter Shift Grant, offering €6,000 to adults who switch to two wheels

Motorcycle grants of up to €2,500, with scrappage bonuses

An increase in vintage vehicle classification age from 25 to 30 years

Expansion of carpooling at the University of Malta

Shifting of public services and operations outside of peak hours

Although Malta will vote against the EU’s proposed licence reform, the Minister acknowledged that the measure could still pass with a majority vote from other EU countries. He noted that the government is already exploring ways Malta can opt out or be excluded from implementing the rule if adopted.

It’s worth noting that the proposal is non-binding, and countries can choose not to adopt the change, keeping their own rules — such as Malta’s current minimum driving age of 18.

The revised EU directive also includes:

A two-year probation period for new drivers

Tougher penalties for dangerous driving

A digital driving licence available on smartphones

Lower age limits for truck and bus drivers to address labour shortages

These updates fall under the EU’s wider “Vision Zero” strategy, which aims to eliminate all road deaths by 2050.

Still, Malta’s position is clear: it does not support allowing 17-year-olds behind the wheel, even under supervision.

#MaltaDaily

Transport Minister Chris Bonett has highlighted a positive finding from EU studies showing that Malta has the second safest roads in Europe — but stressed that this is not a reason to slow down efforts to make them even safer.

“Let’s not be too negative. This is something EU studies have shown. But that doesn’t mean we don’t need to keep improving,” Bonett said, adding that the government’s goal is to make Malta’s roads the safest in Europe — and to continue improving even after reaching that target.

The Minister also emphasised the sensitivity of every life lost on the road, saying: “It’s not just a number — it’s a human being. Every accident is one too many.”

His comments came as the government announced a series of bold transport measures aimed at tackling traffic, reducing congestion, and encouraging safer, more sustainable travel:

A €25,000 grant for drivers who give up their car and licence for five years

A €6,000 scooter scheme for 17-year-olds who delay getting a car licence

The Scooter Shift Grant, offering €6,000 to adults who switch to two wheels

Up to €2,500 in grants for low- and mid-powered motorcycles, with scrappage bonuses

An expansion of carpool parking at the University of Malta

Minister Bonett reiterated that while incentives and infrastructure are important, the ultimate goal is a cultural shift in how Maltese people move, always with safety at the heart of it.

#MaltaDaily