The DGT remains firm: 18 years old is the minimum age to drive trucks.

The DGT's decision to maintain the minimum age at 18 for obtaining a truck license is based on several considerations, with road safety being one of the key aspects. According to the DGT, allowing 17-year-olds to drive trucks could endanger the safety of both drivers and other road users, as driving heavy vehicles requires not only skill and dexterity, but also emotional and mental maturity, which, according to studies, is achieved at a later age.

Voices against this measure had expressed that trucks, due to their size, weight, and the complexities of driving, are vehicles that require a great capacity for reaction and decision-making. In a context of heavy traffic and adverse weather conditions, driving a truck involves managing risks that 17-year-olds may not be prepared to face.

Transport unions have also stressed that the incorporation of such young drivers could jeopardize the job security of workers in the sector and could even increase the rate of accidents on the roads. Furthermore, the lack of experience in driving heavy vehicles could contribute to an increase in traffic accidents related to the transport of goods.

Rather than allowing early entry into truck driving, the DGT and other transport sector institutions have proposed maintaining rigorous training programs and appropriate monitoring during the early years of a driver's career. The idea is to ensure that future truck drivers have comprehensive training and can face the challenges of the road with the necessary preparation.

Furthermore, the new legislation will allow drivers who obtain their truck license at 18 to receive additional training and experience before facing the demands of professional transport.

Transport associations have expressed their support for the DGT's decision. Many agree that safety should be the priority and believe that allowing such young drivers to drive heavy vehicles could increase pressure on the sector, which already faces a shortage of experienced drivers.

Furthermore, industry representatives emphasize the importance of offering alternatives to address the lack of qualified drivers. Proposed solutions include improvements in ongoing driver training and the creation of incentive programs to attract more people to the transport sector.

Although the proposal to allow 17 years of age to drive trucks was seen by some as a way to alleviate the driver shortage, the DGT has opted to keep the minimum age at 18 to ensure drivers are sufficiently mature and experienced. The decision has been welcomed by many parts of the transport sector, who believe that safety must prevail above all else.

The challenge now will be to continue promoting training and professionalization in the sector, ensuring that truck drivers are well prepared to face the challenges of driving heavy-duty vehicles.