When EU countries' ambassadors on Wednesday discussed the latest compromises on changed driving license rules in the EU, the green light was given to let Sweden keep the 15-year limit for A-tractors.
Thus, most things speak for it also becoming so when decisive negotiations are held with the EU Parliament at the beginning of next week.
I am very grateful that so many member states have shown understanding for Swedish young people to be able to continue using A-tractors. It was several member states that gave support to Sweden in the negotiations, which has now led to a breakthrough, notes infrastructure and housing minister Andreas Carlson (KD).
A major victory
The news is welcomed by Swedish MEPs in the EU Parliament who have worked hard across party lines to also get a positive line there.
"If this holds, it's a major success for the work I and Tomas Tobé (M) have done in the European Parliament and the government's efforts in the Council. Now we look forward to the final negotiations on Monday", Johan Danielsson (S) greets via SMS to TT.
"This could be a major victory. Now we hope to be able to take it over the finish line as well", Tobé greets.
Driving test
The negotiations on new driving license rules have been ongoing since last autumn. Originally, both the Parliament and the Council were in favor of raising the age limit for A-tractors to 16 years. The result now seems to be a continued 15-year limit, in combination with the introduction of both practical and theoretical driving tests.
I am very pleased and happy about the support shown for Sweden. This is a Swedish phenomenon that we want to maintain. Then there is no reason for the EU to be perceived as taking away young people's flexibility in Sweden, says Andreas Carlson.
The EU 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-tractors unique to Sweden within the EU.
According to the proposal, A-tractors will be allowed to remain, but with a 16-year limit and requirements for both practical and theoretical driving tests. At the same time, the maximum speed is increased to 45 kilometers per hour.
The EU member states agreed on their view of the proposal in December 2023 and the EU Parliament in February 2024. Since then, final negotiations have begun to find a compromise. As both the Parliament and the member states initially accepted the 16-year limit, the possibilities of keeping the 15-year limit have previously been considered low.
The new rules will come into effect at the earliest from 2026.
