Young drivers in England could be banned from driving at night under new plans. The idea for a graduated licence system comes after new figures shown a fifth of young drivers are involved in an accident in their first year of driving.
Under the plans, the graduated licence system could mean a minimum learning period, age restrictions on passengers and not driving at night. Graduated licence system are in place in parts of the US, Canada and Australia. Britain has not had a graduated licence system over concerns of restrict access to education and employment.
New drivers can get their licence taken of them if they get six points within the first two years of passing their driving test. Currently there is no restriction on when people can drive or the age of their passengers unless they have a black box which some give time limits.
Road safety minister Michael Ellis said: “We have some of the safest roads in the world but we are always looking at ways to make them safer.
“Getting a driving licence is exciting for young people, but it can also be daunting as you’re allowed to drive on your own for the first time.
“We want to explore in greater detail how graduated driver licensing – or aspects of it – can help new drivers to stay safe and reduce the number of people killed or injured on our roads.”
Joshua Harris, director of campaigns for road safety charity Brake, said: “We must do all we can to keep young drivers safe and this starts with making our licensing process more robust.”
Nick Lloyd, acting head of road safety at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, said: “RoSPA welcomes this trial and believes that it will allow young drivers to gain valuable experience, whilst reducing the risks associated with night time driving and the carrying of multiple passengers.”
But AA president Edmund King said: “For many people, excessive post-test restrictions could negate the purpose of them having a driving licence in the first place – such as driving to work on early or late shifts when public transport is not convenient.
“This is why any post-test restrictions must be properly researched and piloted first to ensure they do not place an unnecessary burden on new drivers.”
The Department of Transport said any changes to driving would have to be consulted on before it is made the law.
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