The UK’s leading young driver safety conference returns to London this spring.

Organisers are promising a programme shaped not only by cutting-edge research but also by the real-world experiences of those working on the front line of driver training.

With young drivers remaining the most vulnerable single group, both behind the wheel and as passengers, finding solutions and the best way to help keep them safe on the roads has to be an essential for any driver trainer and road safety professional.

On the road

The Young Driver Focus 2026 conference, organised by FirstCar in partnership with Road Safety GB, the RAC Foundation and GEM Motoring Assist, will take place on 13 May 2026 at the Royal Automobile Club.

The prestigious venue highlights the importance of the event.

It is widely regarded as the UK’s flagship conference dedicated solely to reducing casualties among young and newly qualified drivers.

Bringing together more than 170 professionals from across the public and private sectors, the one-day conference will explore the latest thinking on road safety, with sessions covering fatigue, telematics, seatbelt compliance, driver behaviour and the role of emerging vehicle technologies.

This year’s speaker line-up includes senior figures from government and industry, such as transport minister Lilian Greenwood, alongside representatives from organisations including DVSA and TyreSafe.

Mechanical motivations

Organisers say the aim is to equip attendees with practical tools to influence safer driving behaviours among the high-risk group – young motorists.

Research consistently shows that newly qualified drivers are disproportionately involved in collisions, particularly within the first six months of passing their test.

But while the conference focuses on serious issues, feedback from previous attendees highlights its strong reputation for collaboration, inspiration and practical value.

Delegates have previously described Young Driver Focus (YDF) as “a superb event in amazing surroundings… one of the best organised I’ve attended with passionate people,” while another said it was “brilliant… there was a challenge and a positive drive forward.”

Such testimonials underscore the conference’s role not just as a forum for discussion but also as a catalyst for change within the driver training and road safety sectors.

Past events have also attracted high-profile speakers, including government ministers and leading campaigners.

At a previous conference, roads minister Baroness Vere emphasised the scale of the challenge, noting that young drivers are “more prone to take risks” and are involved in a disproportionately high number of collisions.

Down to the detail

The 2026 edition will continue that focus, with interactive sessions designed to help delegates translate research into real-world interventions.

A facilitated workshop led by the RAC Foundation will encourage attendees to develop actionable plans to improve safety outcomes in their own regions.

Tickets are now on sale, with discounts available for public-sector attendees, academics, and ADIs.

Organisers say the event regularly sells out, reflecting strong demand for professional development opportunities in the sector.

For driver trainers in particular, the conference offers a chance to stay ahead of rapid changes in the industry.

With new technologies, evolving road safety policies and shifting attitudes among young drivers, instructors are increasingly expected to go beyond basic skills training and address behavioural risks.

Attending the event allows trainers to gain insight into emerging trends, share best practices and demonstrate continuing professional development, an increasingly important factor in a competitive market.

More broadly, the conference highlights the importance of collaboration between policymakers, educators and industry leaders in tackling one of the UK’s most persistent road safety challenges.

Don’t miss it

As one previous attendee’s feedback suggests, the value of the event lies not only in the information shared, but in the momentum it creates: bringing together “passionate people” committed to reducing risk and saving lives on the road.

A strong speaker line-up from a wide array of specialist groups and research centres, including the government, DVSA, Driving for Better Business, TyreSafe and Agilysis, providing a practical focus and specialist advice with a proven track record.

Young Driver Focus 2026 is a key date in the calendar for anyone involved in driver training and road safety for the next generation of drivers.

Find out more and buy your tickets here.