There is currently a UK Government petition calling for progressive licensing for young and newly qualified drivers on the basis that this will reduce the number of fatalities and serious injuries on UK roads.
The proposition particularly focuses on the following:
- A mandatory minimum learning period of 40 hours to ensure novice drivers acquire a comprehensive driving experience across a wide variety of road conditions and scenarios;
- Restrictions on young motorists driving during night-time hours; and
- Restricting their ability to carry passengers, including family and friends.
The Campaign
Brake, the road safety charity, is leading a compelling campaign for this initiative, and they are advocating for a progressive driver licensing system in the UK. Their campaign is driven by the statistics that show young drivers are significantly more likely to be involved in road traffic collisions, with one in five drivers involved in a collision within one year of passing their test.
The Statistics
According to the Department for Transport, 4,669 people were seriously injured in 2023 in crashes involving young drivers. The Department suggests that a progressive licensing system could reduce deaths and injuries involving young drivers by 20–40%.
These figures justify the urgent concern for the safety of young drivers and highlight the gravity of road-related fatalities and injuries among the 17 to 24 age group. This age group is at greater risk due to their inexperience and a higher tendency to take risks, often without fully understanding the consequences of impulsive decisions behind the wheel.
Around the World
Notably, other countries have already implemented a progressive licensing system which has proved to be successful in reducing road deaths and injuries among young drivers. In New Zealand, where young people can begin learning to drive at 16, additional restrictions were introduced- such as limiting the number of similarly aged passengers a newly licensed driver can carry. These changes have led to a 23% reduction in car crash injuries among 15- to 19-year-olds and a 12% reduction among 20- to 24-year-olds. Additionally, evidence suggests that enhanced hazard perception training is another effective method for improving driver safety.
A Change in the Law?
The campaign is pushing for significant change to improve road safety and change how young drivers are introduced to driving. There is substantial support for this initiative to be implemented, illustrating a general consensus on the need for change. A petition was submitted to Parliament to introduce a progressive licensing system for young drivers under the age of 25. It is hoped that if these stringent measures are adopted there will be a notable decline in road traffic collisions involving this particular demographic, and a Bill is being considered in the House of Commons on Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) (New Drivers) which outlines proposals for Graduated Driving Licences.
Supporting Victims
MFMac is proud to be a member of Brake’s Scottish legal panel, supporting the work they do in helping victims of road traffic collisions and their families. If you or a loved one has been involved in a road traffic collision, you may be entitled to claim compensation to recover your losses and support your recovery.
Our experienced team will take the time to assess your claim and help you get the compensation you are entitled to. Contact us today on 0131 247 1000 for a free, confidential chat.
