Road safety and breakdown specialist GEM Motoring Assist has welcomed the Government’s new Road Safety Strategy.

The road safety and motoring organisation believes it’s a “vital chance to change the story” for young and novice drivers.

Proposals are contained in the long-awaited ‘strategy’ published at the beginning of January. 

Framework for success

As is frequently noted, young drivers only account for around 6% of UK licence holders.

Yet, drivers aged 17 to 24 are involved in nearly a quarter of fatal and serious road crashes, according to official statistics.

Safety groups say the figures underline the urgent need for targeted measures to improve learning, preparation and early post-test support for new drivers.

The Government’s strategy is built around a ‘Safe System’ approach, recognising that while human error is inevitable, road design, enforcement, vehicle safety and education should work together to ensure mistakes do not result in death or life-changing injury.

Among the key proposals is a consultation on introducing a minimum learning period of three or six months before learners can take their practical driving test, supported by a clearer national syllabus and minimum practice requirements.

First gear

GEM’s head of road safety, James Luckhurst, believes the proposals could mark a turning point if implemented effectively.

“Those aged 17 to 24 make up only a small share of licence holders, yet they are involved in nearly a quarter of fatal and serious collisions. The strategy offers a vital chance to change the story by putting forward measures to improve safety for young and newly-qualified drivers,” he said.

Luckhurst warned that passing the driving test should not be seen as proof of full readiness.

“Passing the test proves basic competence, not full readiness for night driving, peer pressure, bad weather and busy urban environments,” he added, arguing that a longer, better-structured learning period could help bridge that gap.

Structuring safety

The ‘strategy’ also places strong emphasis on distraction and behaviour, particularly mobile phone use.

GEM highlighted the powerful influence of parents and carers, noting that young drivers often copy what they see.

“Learners who regularly see a parent or guardian checking a phone at the wheel are more likely to regard this as normal driving, rather than a high-risk action,” Luckhurst said.

GEM is urging families to model safe behaviour, set clear rules around phones, peer pressure and substances, and to prioritise safety technology when helping young drivers choose their first car.

Vehicle safety features form another pillar of the strategy, with proposals to consult on mandating wider use of technologies such as autonomous emergency braking, intelligent speed assistance and driver attention monitoring in new vehicles.

The organisation says such systems could provide a crucial safety net when mistakes occur, helping to prevent minor errors from becoming serious incidents.

A new view

Other road safety and motoring groups have broadly welcomed the strategy’s direction.

The AA said extending learning and improving post-test support could help tackle the “high-risk window” immediately after qualification.

At the same time, the RAC has long argued for greater focus on distraction and in-car technology standards.

Safety charity Brake said young drivers need a “graduated pathway” into full, independent driving, including better education about risks such as speeding, peer pressure and impaired driving.

GEM is also using the strategy to renew calls for a culture shift around learning to drive.

“Aim to help your learner become life-ready, not just test-ready,” Luckhurst said.

As part of its work promoting safer driving, GEM is the headline sponsor of the 2026 Young Driver Focus event at the RAC Club in London on 13 May.

Policymakers, safety groups and industry leaders will discuss how to turn the strategy’s proposals into practical change on the road.