A new national scheme will open from 1 January 2026, through which young people up to the age of 30 can choose to voluntarily renounce their driving licence for a period of five years, with a total financial incentive of €25,000. The fund allocated for this scheme is €5 million.
The €25,000 grant will be paid over five years, at €5,000 per year, and is subject to the condition that the driving licence remains suspended during that period. The scheme is on a first-come, first-served basis. This initiative continues to place choice and incentive at the centre of the decision, with the aim of changing the mentality and the way we look at mobility, with a greater emphasis on alternative means of transport.
These details were given during a conference addressed by the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Public Works Chris Bonett and the CEO of Transport Malta Kurt Farrugia.
Minister Chris Bonett said that this scheme is designed to create a more attractive option that will instill a new culture among the younger generation. “We are offering a strong incentive to those who want to make a change in the way they travel. We believe that young people are capable of being the catalysts for the change that our country needs in the field of mobility where the car will no longer be the only means of transport to consider. Therefore, we will be directly helping those who wish to be part of this change,” said Minister Bonett.
The Minister explained how this scheme is part of a long-term vision where the Government is offering various measures and incentives to create new mobility models that offer more choice in how one travels. Among these is the increase in sea connections with a ferry system that connects the South to the North of the country. “These models offer more flexibility and gradually reduce the pressure on our roads,” concluded Minister Bonett.
Transport Malta Chief Executive Officer, Kurt Farrugia said that the Authority will be administering the scheme in a transparent and structured manner. “Transport Malta will ensure that the application and payment process is clear, consistent and monitored with rigorous controls. The scheme is designed to offer certainty to applicants and protect the public interest at the same time,” concluded Mr Farrugia.
Details regarding the eligibility criteria and application process can be accessed from the Tranpsort Malta website.
