The minimum age for driving a car in Spain is currently 18, but the European Parliament has approved a regulatory change that would see the age lowered to 17. There would be a requirements for 17-year-olds to be accompanied by an experienced driver until they reach the age of 18, but this doesn't satisfy driving schools in Mallorca.
As one Palma driving instructor puts it: "Most of the kids I have in the car aren't responsible enough to get behind the wheel at 18. I would set the minimum age at 20. Imagine if they're driving alone. They don't have the necessary maturity or risk management skills."
The European Parliament approved the change on Tuesday, the justification being to promote mobility and attract new professionals to the transport sector; there are also new, lower ages for licences to drive trucks and buses - 18 and 21 respectively. The road transport sector has been suffering from a personnel shortage for years.
The lowering of the age will see harsher penalties during the first two years of driving if serious rules are broken, such as alcohol consumption or phone use. There is to be modernisation of the theoretical and practical exams, with content on blind spots, technological distractions, and the protection of vulnerable users.
However, these conditions do not convince many in the driving-school sector. The same Palma instructor adds: "I would like to know on what the European Parliament is basing its claim that this will reduce accidents. Then there's the insurance... . " Another instructor says: "They tried it some time ago... As a teacher, I don't recommend it at all.
"We'll have to see what the requirements are. These could insist on going to a driving school rather than just driving with parents. Right now it isn't obligatory to go to a driving school."
Member countries have three years to adapt their legislation and one more year to implement the new rules.