- graduated driver licensing is being explored further in a bid
to cut new driver crashes
- research will look at the impact of limiting what less
experienced drivers can do in their first few months on the road
- part of the Department for Transport’s upcoming two-year road
safety action plan
New drivers could face limits on what they can do on the road, to
ease them into a lifetime of safe driving.
The government will commit in its road safety action plan, to be
published later this week, to explore further whether graduated
driver licensing — or a similar scheme — should be introduced in
England.
These schemes could put restrictions on new drivers, such as a
minimum learning period, not driving at night, or not driving
with passengers under a certain age in the car.
One in 5 new drivers crashes within their first year on the road,
and so any changes would be designed to help reduce this number
and improve road safety.
Road Safety Minister said:
We have some of the safest roads in the world but we are always
looking at ways to make them safer.
Getting a driving licence is exciting for young people, but it
can also be daunting as you’re allowed to drive on your own for
the first time.
We want to explore in greater detail how graduated driver
licensing, or aspects of it, can help new drivers to stay safe
and reduce the number of people killed or injured on our roads.
Graduated licensing schemes already operate in New Zealand; New
South Wales and Victoria in Australia; New York and California in
the USA; Ontario and British Columbia in Canada and in Sweden.
Previously these schemes have been rejected due to concerns that
it would adversely affect the ability of young people to get on
in life — potentially restricting education and jobs.
However, conducting further research means the Department for
Transport can build an evidence base to fully understand how
graduated driver might work.
Currently, new drivers have their licences revoked if they
accumulate 6 points within the first 2 years — equivalent to
points for using a handheld mobile phone while driving or 2
speeding offences.
The government changed the
driving test in December 2017 to reflect modern-world
driving conditions, including adding a satellite navigation
section.
Learner drivers are now
also allowed to travel on motorways with an approved driving
instructor to acclimatise new drivers to these roads.
Motorcyclists in the UK have a similar scheme to
graduated driver licensing as young bikers are restricted to less
powerful bikes.
Any changes to licensing will be consulted on before being
introduced.
