By John Ensor • Published: 06 Jan 2024 • 17:17
Image of motorcycle. Credit: Audio und werbung/Shutterstock.com
In a major announcement by the Spanish Government, significant changes to driving laws have been introduced, aimed at enhancing road safety and driver training.
On Thursday, January 4 at the DGT headquarters, Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska unveiled these changes as part of the 2023 road safety report.
The key change permits individuals under 17 years of age to drive when accompanied by an adult over 24 with at least five years of driving experience.
Grande-Marlaska emphasised the success of similar policies in France and Germany, highlighting their positive impact on road safety.
This initiative allows 17 to 18-year-olds to gain driving experience under supervision, a move Grande-Marlaska believes will ‘improve the training of younger drivers.’
Moreover, a significant shift in motorcycle licensing was announced. The B1 car license will no longer cover low-displacement motorcycles or mopeds.
Instead, a mandatory course will be required for those wishing to drive motorcycles up to 125cc, addressing the distinct skills needed for different vehicle types.
The DGT plans to revise the points recovery courses, incorporating specific modules for motorcyclists focusing on safe and efficient driving.
Additionally, the use of a full-face helmet and approved gloves will become mandatory for motorcyclists on the road.
In response to ongoing concerns around impaired driving, Marlaska disclosed a 10 per cent increase in alcohol and drug controls. ‘We will reach six million breathalyzer tests a year and 120,000 drug tests,’ he stated, underscoring the importance of preventive measures.
Despite the progress, road safety remains a critical issue. Last year saw 1,145 deaths on Spanish roads, a slight increase from 2022, but with a 2 per cent rise in road traffic.
Most fatalities occurred on conventional roads, and motorcyclists faced a significant rise in mortality. Marlaska called for greater driver responsibility, stressing that ‘avoiding distractions, respecting traffic rules, and using safety systems’ are key to reducing accidents.
These changes reflect a concerted effort to improve road safety in Spain, targeting both new and experienced drivers.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article. Do remember to come back and check The Euro Weekly News website for all your up-to-date local and international news stories and remember, you can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Share this story
Subscribe to our Euro Weekly News alerts to get the latest stories into your inbox!
By signing up, you will create a Euro Weekly News account if you don't already have one. Review our Privacy Policy for more information about our privacy practices.
Originally from Doncaster, Yorkshire, John now lives in Galicia, Northern Spain with his wife Nina. He is passionate about news, music, cycling and animals.
people riding electric scooters should be forced by law to wear vis jackets specially at night some wear dark clothes and you are on top of them before you see them
Everyone, if walking, cycling or using scooters should have lights and or reflective clothing. I echo Trevors statement. So many people do not take sufficient care to be visable on public roads.
The police are not enforcing the electric scooter laws in Mojacar Almeria too many have not got helmets on wear dark clothing and not adequate lighting , you also have children with electric scooter riding on the payments making it dangerous for old people as they just weave in and out of pedestrians.
All of the above are great comments. WHAT WE SHOULD BE DOING regarding the environmental issues is that the largest communities where there are shopping centers is a large car park free of charge made for town shoppers enforced to park the car and take a bus,train, taxi, or a County Scooter daily rental with equipment to the center. Mandatory no excuses. That will free up all central streets to just those vehicles in cities like Granada, Malaga, Madrid etc and drastically reduce emissions. Low risk of accidents and revolutionise transportation. Pensioners and children free.
I am not surprised at the rise in motorcyclist fatalities very few have had advanced training and still negotiate bends towards the middle of the road instead of between the kerb and the center of the road.
Comments are closed.
Download our media pack in either English or Spanish.