The Standing Committee on Interior of the Punjab Assembly has recommended allowing 16-year-olds to drive small cars under a special juvenile permit system, marking a significant shift in the province’s traffic regulations.
The committee has proposed extending the juvenile driving permit framework to include small vehicles with engine capacities between 660cc and 1000cc, following the recent approval of motorcycle permits for teenagers.
The recommendation will be forwarded to the provincial government for final review and requires the governor’s approval before implementation.
The proposal comes after the Punjab Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act 2026 was passed, which already allowed 16-year-olds to ride motorcycles with a juvenile driving permit. Assembly members now seek to expand this provision to cover small cars as well.
Sources indicated that many unlicensed drivers detained in recent crackdowns were college and university students aged 16, and their arrests reportedly created practical challenges for families and educational institutions.
Chief Whip of the Pakistan Muslim League (N) Rana Arshad, explained that the objective is to reduce inconvenience for students while ensuring teenage driving remains regulated.
Lawmakers argue that instead of penalizing teenagers, a regulated system could bring them into the legal framework and improve oversight. The proposal referenced international examples, noting that countries like Canada permit driving at 16, while Germany grants licenses at 17.
However, the recommendation has sparked debate about road safety. Critics question whether lowering the driving age will improve traffic conditions or introduce new risks on Punjab’s already congested roads.
If approved, the new system would require minors to obtain special permits with parental consent and undergo proper training before being allowed to operate small vehicles, ensuring safety standards are maintained while addressing student mobility needs.
