9,000 wait for driving tests as Mallorca jobs suffer

On Mallorca, young people without a driving licence are struggling to get to work as driving-test queues stretch for months. Vianants Mallorca says more than 9,000 people across the Balearic Islands are waiting to sit their test. On Tuesday 22 September, the group called on the Balearic Government to provide quality bus and train services for island residents without a car.

Driving schools have warned of the backlog, according to the group. Vianants Mallorca said bluntly: “In Mallorca, without a car, people cannot get to work.”

It pointed to the Sustainable Mobility Law, in force since last December. The law recognises everyone’s right to a transport system that works regardless of age, health or financial circumstances, and aims to meet travel needs without a private vehicle.

The call comes as petrol has risen above 2 euros a litre in the Balearics. Vianants Mallorca said the islands are Spain’s most expensive region for fuel, with prices nearly 30% higher than a year ago. Filling a tank now costs about 120 euros.

As driving becomes more expensive, the group said, people turn to buses and trains — and those services must be ready.

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com