Motorists can now travel freely in Brussels. The car free day ended at 7pm. But is driving still popular among young people? Is your license and your first car still a dream at 18?
For a long time, the car was associated with a sense of freedom and autonomy. Fewer young people under the age of 30 are getting a driver’s license today than 10 years ago.
However, for some it is a mandatory step. “At 18, I’m going to start getting my license because that’s what really interests me.“, believes the soon-to-be-adult Francisco.”I consider that important. In this way, we can be free and no longer have to rely on anyone“, Camelia believes.
In some regions, it is necessary to have a license and a car to say: “I am from rural areas and many of my friends who stayed in rural areas have cars“, Philomena explains to us. Matthew, for his part, is not too keen: “I grew up in a small village where there was not much public transport and it ended early. Without a car, we are much less.“
However, many young people don’t rush to get their license. They choose smooth motion: “If I have a car, I always prefer to travel by public transport. It’s really cheap when you’re young, I think it’s only 12 euros a year (in Brussels, editor’s note),” exults Samuel.
Driving licenses and cars are still popular, but alternatives are attracting young people.
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