The CSU proposes allowing accompanied driving for a class B car license from age 16 across the EU. Currently, since 2011, this has been possible from age 17. The initiative aims to provide more driving practice and safety for young people, especially in rural areas.
At their retreat in Kloster Seeon in Upper Bavaria, the CSU adopted a draft resolution calling for accompanied driving from age 16 for class B driving licenses. "We are committed to ensuring that EU member states allow accompanied driving from age 16 for driving license class B," states the draft. This is reported by the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung and the Deutsche Presse-Agentur.
Since 2011, young people in Germany have been able to obtain a license and drive a car from age 17 under the supervision of experienced drivers. CSU state group leader Alexander Hoffmann highlighted the model's success: "We introduced the driving license at 17 in Germany, and our accompanied driving model has proven to be a great success. Now we want to take the next step and make accompanied driving possible from age 16." He described the license as a "ticket to adult life," offering freedom and participation especially in rural areas.
The draft also provides for solo driving from age 17 in exceptional cases, after at least one year of accompanied practice. The rationale is that more driving experience enhances safety. The proposal is part of a broader document that also calls for nationwide language tests for kindergarten children and a boycott of cultural events like the Eurovision Song Contest if Jewish or Israeli artists are excluded.
