Both the Christian Democratic conservative EPP and the social democratic S&D have backed a proposal that makes it possible – but not certain – that the 15-year limit will remain, say Swedish MEPs Tomas Tobé (M) and Johan Danielsson (S) at a joint press conference in Brussels.
Thus, the European Parliament's support is likely secured.
Based on our two groups, one can reasonably assume that there is a majority in the European Parliament that will support this proposal, says Danielsson.
What do the EU countries say?
The proposal allows all EU countries to decide for themselves which age within the range of 15-18 years will apply for driving license category B1, where the A-traktor license will be included in the future.
However, the EU member states in the Council of Ministers must also agree to the age change in the final negotiations with the Parliament and the European Commission, which are currently underway.
There are absolutely some countries that have a different approach to this issue. But we still believe that this will be successful, says Tobé.
"Looks brighter"
Infrastructure Minister Andreas Carlson (KD) hopes to influence other countries.
With this message, it looks brighter. We will drive this hard in the Council and towards the Commission, says Carlson, who is in Brussels for a meeting with the EU's other transport ministers on Thursday.
There is hope of getting the transport minister from the incoming presidency country Poland and the EU's new transport commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas to Sweden to learn more about A-traktors.
They have a standing invitation, says Carlson.
Clear by spring?
Changed A-traktor rules are a consequence of the updated general driving license rules that have been processed within the EU in recent years. There, the A-traktors' survival has been secured and also got a higher speed limit of 45 kilometers per hour, instead of the current 30 kilometers per hour. The requirement is, however, that proper driving tests are introduced and that the age limit is set to 16 years, instead of the current 15 years.
If it is possible to lower the limit will be decided during the final negotiations, which are expected to be completed at the earliest in February.
The European Commission presented its proposal for updated driving license rules in the spring of 2023, which included, among other things, a stricter regulation of the A-traktors that are unique to Sweden within the EU.
According to the proposal, A-traktors will be allowed to remain, but with a 16-year limit and requirements for both practical and theoretical driving tests.
The EU member states agreed on their view of the proposal in December last year and the European Parliament in February this year. Since then, final negotiations have begun to find a compromise. As both the Parliament and the member states have accepted the 16-year limit, the possibilities of keeping the 15-year limit have been considered low.
The new rules will come into effect at the earliest from 2026.
