What is a graduated driving licence?
- A graduated driving license would place restrictions on young and newly qualified drivers for a period.
Why might we need graduated driving licences?
- The Department for Transport has reported that in 2023 1,624 people died on roads in Great Britain, 23% of those killed were young people aged 17 to 29 years old.
- Nearly one quarter of all road collisions involved young people.
- Although drivers under 24 make up only 6% of total licence holders, they represent 18% of all car drivers killed and seriously injured.
- One in five newly qualified drivers will have an accident in their first year.
- Young people are also more likely to be involved in crashes causing multiple injuries and those that involve a greater number of people.
- Young people are at a greater risk of having an accident due to their inexperience.
What would a graduated driving licence enforce?
- A minimum learning period before taking a test.
- Driving curfews.
- A limit to passenger numbers and to restrict peer age passengers.
- Restricted speed limits.
- Lowering of alcohol limits.
- Restricted engine sizes.
- Mandatory ‘P’ plates.
What could be the benefits of a graduated driving licence?
- International evidence suggests it could reduce the number of deaths and injuries involving young drivers by 20–40%.
- New Zealand has implemented a similar scheme and saw a 23% reduction in car crash injuries for 15–19-year-olds and 12% for 20–24-year-olds.
- Similar schemes are in place in Ireland, Australia, Canada, Sweden and the USA.
- Evidence also shows improved driving skills and enhanced safety.
Are graduated licences likely in the UK?
- On 28th January 2025 the Government said they are focused on cutting the number of deaths for drivers aged under 24 but this would be achieved without graduated driving licences.
- Some argue restrictions could be too tough and discourage young people from getting a licence and there could be challenges with enforcement.
- Whilst several road safety charities and campaigners continue with their campaigns to introduce such a scheme to help reduce and prevent future deaths and serious injuries of young people on UK roads.
