Graduated licences
PM says she’ll ‘look at’ scheme to reduce crash rate among young drivers
Experts have their say as Govt considers new law shake-up
LEARNER drivers could soon face new restrictions after passing their test, according to the Prime Minister.
Responding to a question about the high accident rates among young and recently-passed drivers at Prime Minister’s Questions, Theresa May said she will “look at” introducing a ‘graduated licensing system’ in Britain, and will ask the Department for Transport to do the same.
May added: “Too many people suffer loss and tragedy at the hands of learner drivers in these circumstances and we will certainly look at that [a graduated licensing system].”
Current figures show that one in four young drivers is involved in an accident within two years of passing their test. Each year also sees around 400 deaths and serious injuries involving young drivers. Tiered licence systems that place limitations on young or recently-qualified drivers exist in other countries and have proven successful in preventing crashes.
New drivers in Northern Ireland are required to display R-plates for 12 months after passing their test, limiting them to 45mph. Other countries such as Finland require newly-qualified motorists to take ‘in-depth’ driver training that includes night-time courses after passing their test.
In 2013, the DFT commissioned a study on graduated licences. It found the evidence is “indisputable” in showing that a tiered system, especially for young drivers, helps cut accident rates.
The study estimated that if all 17-19year-old drivers in Great Britain faced driving restrictions, it would “result in annual savings of 4,471 casualties and £224million”. It concluded: “Based on the evidence, it is recommended that licensing in GB be based on a full GDL [graduated licensing] system.”
Now read what our experts think of a graduated licensing scheme (right).