In Great Britain, young drivers between the ages of 17–24 are involved in 24% of all collisions resulting in death or serious injury, even though this group account for just 7% of the total driving population.
In 2022, 4,935 people were killed or seriously injured in crashes involving at least one young driver – this includes other road users of all ages, such as people travelling in separate cars or pedestrians.
Data from transport safety studies, car insurance companies and driving charities over many years has shown that drivers under the age of 24 are more likely to have crashes when they are carrying similar-aged passengers in their car, when driving at night and when driving conditions are difficult.
In response to this evidence, several countries, including Canada, Australia, New Zealand and many US States, have introduced Graduated Driving Licensing (GDL), which restricts the number of peer-aged passengers a young driver can take in the car, as well as preventing night-time driving, for an interim period after passing their test.
In these countries, there has been a reduction in deaths and serious injuries in crashes involving young drivers by between 20 and 40%, following the introduction of Graduated Driving Licensing.
The evidence is overwhelming – Graduated Driving Licensing (GDL) saves lives. But despite the overwhelming evidence, and pleas from bereaved families, leading experts for many years, GDL has yet to be introduced in the UK.
What would Graduated Driving Licensing look like in the UK?
A Graduated Driving Licensing system, also known as Progressive Licensing, would see young drivers and their passengers far better protected on the roads.
Recommended Pre-test Changes
Changes for learner drivers should include:
- A minimum learning period of at least 6 months
- A minimum number of hours of practice of at least 50-60 hours
- Being supervised when practising driving by someone aged 21 or over (who has over three years of driving experience)
Recommended Post-test Changes
Changes for novice drivers should include:
- Novice drivers aged under 21 can drive from 4am to midnight without supervision either driving on their own or carrying passengers aged 21 or over
- Novice drivers aged under 21 can drive with supervision from midnight to 4am or when carrying passengers aged under 21
The following exceptions could be considered: - Novice drivers aged under 21 can drive on their own from midnight to 4am when travelling to or from their home and work
- Novice drivers aged under 21 can drive without supervision when carrying dependants who are aged under 21 as passengers
The RoadPeace Perspective
RoadPeace, the national charity for road crash victims, has supported so many parents during its 30-year history who have lost teenage sons and daughters in road crashes.
They have been calling for changes to the law to better protect young drivers and passengers for decades, but nobody has listened. Many families have felt unheard and ignored.
Enough is enough. How many more young lives need to be lost before action is taken?
The Government must listen to these families, listen to the experts and learn from the overwhelming evidence from other countries where Graduated Driving Licensing has been in place for some time.
We have a solution to this big problem. Why are we not doing everything in our power to protect young people?