Experts are calling for new driving licence rules to be introduced to boost road safety across the UK which could see motorists banned from carrying passengers for a certain period of time.
The RAC Foundation has written to the Minister for the Future of Roads, urging the Government to launch new rules targeting younger motorists.
Countries around the world have already adopted the “Graduated Driving Licensing” scheme which has resulted in a drop in the number of motorists involved in accidents.
In the proposal, the RAC Foundation has suggested that a GDL-type scheme could be introduced to help younger drivers build up the experience they need when they are ready to get behind the wheel.
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Some of the proposals would see motorists banned from carrying passengers for a certain period of time
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This would apply to younger drivers, generally those between 17 and 19 years of age, and would look to impose a minimum six-month learning period before being able to take a practical test.
Once they have passed their test, they would not be able to carry any passengers younger than 25 unless accompanied by an older adult for the first six months of having their licence or until they turn 20.
If they are found to be breaking these rules, under the proposals, they would be hit with six penalty points on their driving licence.
According to the New Drivers Act 1995, this would result in the immediate suspension of the licence and a requirement to retake the practical driving test.
The RAC Foundation has highlighted how younger drivers aged between 17 and 24 are “disproportionately represented” in road casualty statistics.
Younger drivers are involved in a fifth of all road collisions resulting in deaths and serious injuries, despite only accounting for seven per cent of all licence holders.
Writing to future roads minister Lilian Greenwood, the road safety organisation outlined that the proposals set out would be better than other measures.
Some road safety experts have called for younger drivers to be banned from taking to the roads at night, although this would have a dramatic impact on the employment prospects of young people.
The scheme, which is also known as “progressive driver licensing”, has been put forward in Parliament by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater.
It comes as Thames Valley Police introduces a new programme to target young drivers to help them stay safe on the roads.
The Go Drive initiative uses behavioural science to create a one-hour session, featuring a 50-minute film and four interactive tasks.
The measures will be rolled out within schools, colleges, and community groups, making road safety education accessible to a wider audience.
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Younger drivers would be seriously impacted by the proposals
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Superintendent Mark Lewis, Head of the Joint Operations Road Policing Unit said: “Through collaboration with key safety partners, we’re making road safety more engaging and accessible for young people, ensuring they develop safer driving habits for life.
“Developing these habits is key to preventing harm and ultimately saving lives, creating safer and healthier roads for everyone to use.”
