Motorists warned about 'graduate driver restrictions' as new law could be introduced

Newly qualified drivers could be forced to follow certain rules

A motoring expert has issued a warning to drivers about potential ‘restrictions’ following a proposed law change.

The new bill, currently making its way through Parliament, was introduced by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater and aims to impose restrictions on newly qualified drivers as they gain experience. Despite being the brainchild of an opposition member, the bill has already garnered cross-party and industry support.

The primary goal of the proposed Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) (New Drivers) Bill is to establish Graduated Driving Licences (GDLs) in an effort to reduce the number of deaths and injuries on the roads, particularly among young drivers who may be overly confident in their abilities.

According to the RAC, GDLs are already in place in many countries worldwide. If passed into law, the new bill would see new drivers facing several restrictions during their first six months of driving, including a zero-alcohol limit and a cap on the number of young passengers they can carry.

The proposed GDL would likely consist of several stages, potentially starting with supervision from a licensed and experienced driver. Later stages could require accompaniment when driving at certain times of the day. Once all stages have been completed, drivers would receive a full licence, reports Nottinghamshire Live.

He highlighted the grim figures that underscore the need for change: “Previous statistics have shown that a significant portion of road fatalities involve young drivers, with male drivers aged 17 to 24 being four times more likely to be involved in accidents compared to older age groups. Additionally, government data reveals that between June 2022 and June 2023, there were 29,429 people killed or seriously injured on the roads, with over a fifth of the fatalities occurring among individuals aged between 17 and 29 years old.

“The proposal to implement GDLs will naturally lead to discussions about balancing individual freedoms with public safety. While some may argue that young drivers need flexibility for employment and education, it’s vital to recognise the potential life-saving benefits of such measures. Road safety should remain a top priority, and measures like GDLs offer a structured way to prepare all drivers, regardless of age, and help them be confident behind the wheel.

“Stats from countries like Canada, where GDL systems are in place, suggest that these measures can contribute to safer roads. These systems typically mandate restrictions such as curfews and supervision requirements, allowing new drivers to gain experience gradually.

“While there may be concerns about the impact on young drivers’ freedoms, prioritising road safety is important. The ultimate goal is to instil responsible driving habits early on, to reduce the risk of accidents and save lives. Considering the tragic stories of road fatalities, particularly among young people, we need to revaluate our approach to road safety. Implementing GDLs could be a significant step forward in safeguarding lives on our roads.”