Poland plans to lower the driving age to 17, with supervised driving to improve road safety.
Despite reports highlighting that drivers aged 18-24 have the highest accident rates, Poland is considering lowering the driving age to 17. A new proposal from the Ministry of Infrastructure aims to allow 17-year-olds to obtain a category B driving license under the supervision of an experienced driver. The goal is to improve road safety.
European Inspiration and New Supervision Rules
The policy is inspired by countries like Germany, Denmark, and France, which have similar laws. To qualify, supervising drivers must be at least 24 years old, with five years of driving experience and a clean record. The new rule could raise concerns about young drivers operating older, possibly unsafe, vehicles, but it aims to instill safer driving habits from a younger age.
Current Road Accident Statistics
Last year, Poland recorded nearly 21,000 road accidents, with close to 2,000 fatalities. With 52 road deaths per million inhabitants, Poland ranks 20th in the EU, slightly above the EU average of 46.