This measure, outlined in Article 17 of the European Directive 2025/2205, aims for new drivers to acquire skills and face real road situations safely. The system, known as the “German model,” stipulates that young people can drive accompanied by an experienced driver.
“"The accompanied driving outlined in this Directive is established under the so-called ‘German model,’ which consists of advancing the age for obtaining a driving license to 17 years."
The license will include a specific code, 98.02, which will identify this obligation until the driver turns 18. The accompanying person must meet a series of strict requirements: be at least 24 years old, have held a driving license for more than 5 years, not have lost the right to drive in the last five years, and always comply with alcohol and drug regulations.
This initiative aims to facilitate young people's access to a driving license, which can be particularly useful for those living in sparsely populated areas or for those who wish to enter university with the ability to drive their own vehicle. Furthermore, it ensures supervision of driving until legal age, which is considered positive for road safety.
“"The aim is to facilitate young people's access to the license, which can be interesting for those living in sparsely populated areas or useful for those who want to go to university knowing how to drive their own car. It's an option they didn't have until now. Furthermore, it ensures that their driving will be ‘supervised’ until they turn 18, which can also be positive."
Despite this change, the process for obtaining a driving license in Spain will maintain the same procedure, requiring the passing of a theoretical and practical exam. The European Union seeks to reduce the accident rate among novice drivers with this measure, allowing them to gain experience with accompaniment before driving alone. Spain has until the end of 2028 to adapt this directive to its national regulations.
