The ANWB and its German sister organization want young people who participate in accompanied driving to gain driving experience in both the Netherlands and Germany. The ANWB reports this via the press release below on their website. This expansion gives young drivers more opportunities to gain supervised experience with foreign traffic situations and regulations.

The ANWB and ADAC have submitted a request to the traffic ministers of both countries to explore the possibilities for this expansion of accompanied driving in the short term.

The Netherlands and Germany have similar driving license systems. In addition, both countries have the accompanied driving system for young people aged 17 years. One or more coaches are appointed who will guide the young driver during the initial period after obtaining the driving license in gaining driving experience. German figures show that participants in accompanied driving have driven four times as many kilometers before taking to the road completely independently than young people with a regular driving license. 

Accompanied driving was introduced in the Netherlands in 2011. In addition, 17-year-olds can obtain their driving license on the condition that they gain driving experience until their 18th birthday under the supervision of an accompanying person. Nearly 350.000 young people have now made use of this opportunity. Accompanied driving was legally enshrined in 2016 after a positive evaluation of a five-year trial period. The ANWB expects the proposed renewal to be especially beneficial for residents in the border region with Germany. With the proposed expansion, participants of accompanied driving will have more room to maneuver there to get to know German traffic.

Photo right: ANWB Image Bank

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