Inquiry Concerning the Scope of Category B Driving Licences (No. 327)
Session: Fifteenth Riigikogu, third session, plenary session
Date: 2024-05-27 20:23
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 20
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 17m
AI Summaries: 20/20 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
During the second item on the Riigikogu's agenda, the interpellation submitted by Varro Vooglaid and Kalle Grünthal on May 13, 2023, concerning the scope of B-category driving licenses (Interpellation No. 327) was addressed. The core of the interpellation was to inquire whether individuals holding a B-category driving license in Estonia could be permitted to participate in traffic with a scooter up to 125 cc without passing a separate A-category examination. This reflects European practices, where similar provisions have been implemented in some countries, and potential societal impacts were discussed—namely, faster mobility for urban travel, reduction of traffic congestion and parking burden, and a decrease in emissions. Furthermore, questions were raised concerning safety, training, and supervision, and why a similar solution has not been adopted in Estonia.
Decisions Made 1
No final decisions were reached. The discussion will continue, and subsequent steps and clarifications to the draft bill will vary according to the work plans of the government and the Ministry of Transport. Ongoing steps are planned for the development of legislation and draft bills, as well as the implementation of application rounds and investments aimed at developing cycling infrastructure and demand-based mobility.
Most Active Speaker
The speaker is a member of the Riigikogu (one of the submitters of the interpellation). Position: other (at least the specific detail concerning party affiliation is missing from this material).
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The second item on the agenda addresses the inquiry (Inquiry No. 327) submitted by Varro Vooglaid and Kalle Grünthal on May 13, 2023, concerning the scope of B-category vehicle driving licenses.
Varro Vooglaid
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Varro Vooglaid proposed allowing individuals who hold a B-category driving license to operate a scooter up to 125cc without having to take a separate A-category exam. He argued that this measure would improve urban mobility, reduce traffic congestion, ease parking pressure, lower emissions, and align with the practices already established in Southern European countries.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi offered his thanks and stated that they now have an excellent opportunity to receive a clear and concrete answer regarding two important questions, before inviting the honorable Minister of Climate, Kristen Michal, to the Riigikogu podium.
Kliimaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Climate Minister Kristen Michal announced that an amendment to the Traffic Act is currently underway. This change would permit holders of a Category B driving license to operate a Category A1 motorcycle, provided the individual has held the Category B license for at least two years and has successfully completed a Category A1 safety course at a driving school (without needing to pass state exams). He further stated that, in order to reduce car usage, a cycling strategy will be implemented. This strategy, supported by the European Union, will finance the development of cycling paths and bicycle parking facilities in Tallinn, Tartu, and Pärnu, allocating a total of approximately 37 million euros (12 million for Pärnu, and about 14 million euros for Tartu). Additionally, transport modes will be synchronized and demand-based mobility will be developed.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Toomas Kivimägi thanked the speaker for the address, noting that it was very clear and informative, and then offered Varro Vooglaid the opportunity to ask one question.
Varro Vooglaid
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Varro Vooglaid thanks them and acknowledges that the solution is a step in the right direction, but he asks for clarification on how people who already hold B-category licenses—who have perhaps been driving with B-licenses for years—can get the additional 10 hours for the A1 category, and whether this will be added to their driving entitlement.
Kliimaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
The draft bill currently being debated is still pending, and the details described today constitute the substance of that debate: the completion of the 10-hour course is possible even for those who wish to do so now, but the precise conditions will be clarified during the process of drafting the bill.
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The speech emphasizes that although cycling does not require licenses or formal training, the number of cyclists is growing, and we must consider developing awareness and training for younger people within the school curriculum, taking the Dutch practice as an example and thereby increasing safety in non-motorized traffic.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Speaker Toomas Kivimägi asks Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart to come forward.
Kliimaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Kristen Michal points out that traffic education and the issuing of cycling licenses are taking place, and commits to reviewing more precisely which programs and projects we currently have underway.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
At the beginning of the address, Lauri Laats is invited to speak.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Laats stresses that cargo bikes pose a danger in traffic because the passengers riding in the box are not restrained, meaning their lives are unprotected in the event of a collision. Therefore, we need to discuss how to ensure their operational safety, and whether this is even an issue at all.
Kliimaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Climate Minister Kristen Michal said that he has ridden a cargo bike in both heavy and light traffic, tested its box on the Haabersti roundabout, and mentioned that the bike box has a small strap that can be used to secure children and women, and invited listeners to get better acquainted with cargo bikes.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi argues that a caste system is beginning to take root in Estonia.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helle-Moonika Helme is raising the question of extending the validity of B-category licenses to include scooter drivers, and whether the proposed restriction concerning seniors is a genuine plan or merely media hype.
Kliimaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
The presentation will focus on a comprehensive review of the health certificate system and the design of future solutions. These solutions will be based on health assessments and may impact driving privileges—for instance, in the event of a traffic accident. This work is being implemented by the Ministry of Social Affairs and other stakeholders, not the Ministry of Climate.
Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Mart Helme claims that dangerous driving behavior is primarily observed among young drivers who speed at 120–130 km/h and perform risky maneuvers. In his view, the problem lies more with weak traffic enforcement and the availability of medical certificates for older drivers, rather than with the idea that drivers over 70 suddenly become dangerous.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi invites Mart Helme to take the floor.
Kliimaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
The ability to participate in traffic does not depend solely on age or health, but is the combined effect of several factors: risk-taking behavior is more likely among younger people, and the role of traffic monitoring and the police helps to calm traffic; one factor does not determine the other.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi thanked everyone who contributed, declared the debate on the questions closed, opened and closed the negotiations, and concluded the handling of this agenda item.