Minister open to more research on lowering minimum driving age

Transport Minister Mohamed Ameen has vowed to look into the request to lower the minimum driving age in the country from 18 to 16 years in light of changing society, but insisted that the minimum age in other countries in the region is also 18.

In the second segment of the 'Ahaa’ forum, designed for the public to make inquiries of the state ministers, a student asked the Transport Minister about lowering the minimum driving age from 18 to 16 years.

Replying to the question, Ameen said the age of issuance of licenses is 18 years, and pointed out that it is set by law.

"The truth is that even 16-year-olds ride motorcycles even if they are not 18 yet. But there is a set legal age limit. That's 18 years of age. Therefore, the Transport Ministry considers it as the standard in issuing driving licenses," he said.

Ameen said that in the changing society, if a law decides that the age of issuance of licenses is up to 16 years, it can happen. However, the current legal situation is that the licensing age is 18 years.

The issue of changing the license age to 16 years was also debated in the Transport Ministry and a study was conducted, he said.

"Its not just about the legal standard. In Southeast Asia, the age limit is the same; 18 years. Not only for driving licences. There are standards for issuing some other types of licenses and that too is at 18 years," he said.

He said he would welcome further research to lower the minimum driving age in consideration of the changing times.