Calls for government to introduce a Graduated Driving Licence scheme - RAC statement

Commenting on calls for the UK Government to consider a Graduated Driving Licence ('GDL') scheme for new drivers to reduce road casualties, RAC road safety spokesperson Rod Dennis said:

“The UK might have some of the safest roads in Europe, but as long as young drivers remain over-represented in road traffic collisions there’s no question that more needs to be done. A graduated driver licensing scheme has the potential to transform that picture in a positive way, so it’s disappointing that the current Government decided not to commission research into the pros and cons of introducing one, despite committing to it in its 2019 road safety statement.

“While such a scheme may involve introducing a minimum number of learning hours, restrictions on carrying passengers, and possibly a stricter drink-drive limit, we’d like to see serious consideration given to ‘black box’, telematics-based insurance policies which are very effective at monitoring how new drivers’ behave behind the wheel with a view to keeping them safe.”

Note

In February 2024, the Government stated the following in a Westminster Hall debate on young drivers:

“In Great Britain, the Department for Transport keeps driving licensing requirements under review, but there are not any plans, at the moment, to introduce any further restrictions on younger drivers. We acknowledge that, in terms of population and the number of miles driven, 17 to 24-year-olds remain one of the highest fatality risk groups, especially males.”