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The driving instructors again blocked roads in Paris and along the ring road that surrounds the capital, to protest against new changes in the profession. The government wants to reduce the costs of learning to drive, but instructors believe the reforms could kill traditional driving schools.
Monday's strike action was triggered by three driver unions, who fear being "aggravated" by the new driving test reforms.
Among the changes, it is planned to open the playing field to new competitors. This means that driving schools will no longer have the monopoly of being able to distribute the coveted pink license.
In France, learner drivers can spend 1,800 euros to pbad their test, which leaves a heavy loss in their portfolio.
Last November, President Emmanuel Macron announced a "drastic reduction in the cost of obtaining a driver's license", stating that this would allow young people to obtain this permit more quickly and cheaply. .
Currently, certificates are issued to drivers after attending a driving school. However, streamlining the accreditation process could energize online platforms offering what unions describe as "low cost" licenses.
"This national certificate will mark the end of local driving schools in small towns and villages," said Patrice Bessone, president of CNPA-Road Safety.
Unfair competition
"This goes against the Prime Minister's plans to make driving more accessible," he told AFP.
For his part, Thibault Droinet, vice president of the Unic union, says it is "unfair competition." These online platforms do not have to pay social charges or tax on the Internet. How are we supposed to compete with this? " he told AFP.
Driving schools are also concerned that the new changes will have a negative effect on road safety, as candidates could register themselves without going through a driving school.
"The success rate of independent candidates is currently 35%, against 65% for candidates who have attended a driving school," said Bessone CNPA.
These new changes will "clutter the review process with people who have failed and have to repeat, so it will take longer to get a license," he said.
The unions hope to meet with Prime Minister Edouard Philippe to share their suggestions on how to reduce the costs of driving without forcing them into bankruptcy.
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