This is an interesting story coming from Europe. Most parents in South Africa would never allow their 14-year old teenage children get behind the wheel of a car, let alone driving on the road. In Europe though, things are a bit different. The European Union has introduced a new directive for the harmonisation of driving licenses and France has subsequently adapted its light quadricycle regulations which allows 14-year-olds with BSR road safety certificates to drive light motorised quadricycles, like the Renault Twizy 45 Electric Vehicle (EV).

Renault Twizy 45 puts teens behind the wheel

The new regulation gives teens independent mobility as well as the opportunity to understand the act of driving from an earlier age, which was previously reserved for those 16 years and older. The Renault Twizy 45 is a safer alternative compared to your typical two-wheeled scooter and thankfully the Twizy is well kitted in terms of safety too. The Twizy 45 comes standard with an airbag, double seatbelts, disc brakes and a protective passenger cell. More that 15 000 Twizy vehicles are currently in operation in Europe.

In South Africa, a learners driving license for a light motor vehicle not exceeding 3 500 kg can be obtained if the person is 17-years or older and 16 years for a motorcycle learners license. A driving license can only be obtained if you are 18-years or older.

Considering the current road safety crisis in South Africa, it’s unlikely that similar regulations would ever work, but it begs the question. Do you think allowing teenagers to drive is the wisest thing to do?