Thank you for contacting me about graduated driving licences.
The UK has a form of restriction for novice drivers through the Road Traffic (New Drivers) Act 1995. Currently, new drivers have their licences revoked if they accumulate six points within the first two years, meaning they are on probation. This is equivalent to the points added to a licence for using a handheld mobile phone while driving or for two speeding offences. I would encourage the Government to consider measures within our current rules that would reduce the number of deaths among young drivers.
I understand that the Government has stated it is not considering graduated driving licences. Ensuring the safety of people on the road is of paramount importance, as even one death in a car accident is one too many. This is why driving licence requirements are kept under review. However, I believe we should be cautious about introducing new restrictions that could reduce the independence of young drivers.
For new and novice drivers, the broad aim should be to improve road safety through new technology and research. In particular, developing better learning opportunities and targeted educational messaging for young drivers is essential. Undoubtedly, striking a balance between promoting the safety of young drivers and preserving their freedom to access work and education is challenging. Nevertheless, for these reasons, I cannot support the introduction of further restrictions.
I would note that the last Government commissioned the £2 million Driver2020 research project to examine interventions designed to help learner and newly qualified drivers improve their skills and safety. Once findings are released from the study, they should inform considerations of measures that the department can take to enhance road safety for young drivers. This research should form part of a body of evidence that the Government can use to produce policies for young drivers that are both practical and save lives.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
