A resolution has been submitted in the Punjab Assembly proposing to lower the minimum driving age from 18 to 16 years. The motion was moved by opposition member Sheikh Imtiaz Mahmood, who emphasized that the change would benefit the province’s rapidly growing youth population.
The resolution argues that reducing the legal driving age would promote youth welfare and increase their participation in national development activities.
The proposal highlights international precedents, noting that most provinces in Canada allow individuals to obtain a driving licence at 16, while in Germany the legal age is 17. Advocates of the measure suggest that allowing younger drivers could help students and young workers gain independence, improve mobility, and contribute more effectively to local economies.
Sheikh Imtiaz Mahmood stated that the current age limit of 18 may restrict opportunities for young people, particularly in rural areas where transportation options are limited. By enabling 16-year-olds to drive legally, the resolution aims to provide them with greater access to education, employment, and community engagement.
The resolution also calls for the development of stricter driving tests and safety protocols to ensure that young drivers are properly trained and capable of handling road challenges. Lawmakers supporting the measure argue that, with adequate supervision and education, lowering the driving age can be achieved safely, following examples set by other countries.
If passed, the proposal would make Punjab one of the few regions in the world to allow 16-year-olds to drive, aligning local regulations with international norms and addressing the mobility needs of the province’s youth population.
The resolution is expected to spark debate among lawmakers regarding road safety, youth empowerment, and the readiness of younger drivers to handle traffic responsibilities. The Punjab Assembly will deliberate on the proposal in upcoming sessions, weighing both the potential benefits and risks of reducing the legal driving age.
