The Government has once again ruled out introducing a graduated driving licence (GDL) for young drivers.

This comes despite growing concerns over the high number of young people killed or seriously injured on UK roads.

Lilian Greenwood, Minister for the Future of Roads, rejected the idea in a Parliamentary debate.

It’s a no

In a debate in Parliament on Tuesday, January 28, Lilian Greenwood, Minister for the Future of Roads, reiterated her department’s commitment to improving road safety.

However, she stated that a GDL, which would impose further post-test restrictions on young drivers, was not currently in the government’s or any longer-term plans.

“I am determined to take action to cut the number of young drivers, aged between 17 and 24, killed or seriously injured,” Greenwood said, emphasising that road safety remains a top priority for the Government.

Too many casualties

Restrictions under the Road Traffic (New Drivers) Act 1995, placed new drivers on a two-year probationary period.

However, the Government has been under pressure from road safety organisations to impose additional restrictions, such as curfews or limits on the number of passengers.

These measures are seen as a potential way to reduce the number of young drivers involved in serious road collisions.

Statistics from 2023 highlight a worrying trend: 17 to 24-year-olds accounted for around 20% of all car-related fatalities and serious injuries (KSI casualties).

Although the number of young drivers killed on UK roads has decreased by 80% since 1990, Greenwood stressed that the current figures were still far too high.

90 young drivers lost their lives in 2023 alone—a number she described as “90 too many”.

“Whilst the latest statistics show that the number of young drivers killed on our roads has fallen by 80% since 1990, this cannot be a reason for complacency,” Greenwood said in the debate.

Government Focus

In place of a graduated driving licence (GDL), Greenwood emphasised that the Government is focusing on non-legislative measures to address the root causes of accidents among young drivers.

These efforts include ongoing research and projects designed to improve young drivers’ skills, confidence, and safety, particularly in their first year behind the wheel.

The Driver 2020 project, a collaboration between the Department for Transport (DfT), the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), and the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL), has been testing various approaches to reduce road risks for newly qualified drivers.

The project, which began in 2019 and recruited over 28,000 drivers, examines the effectiveness of several initiatives, such as:

  • Keeping a logbook to track driving experience
  • Extra hazard perception training
  • Classroom-based education
  • Mentoring agreements
  • Use of telematics to monitor driving behaviour

While the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the research, Greenwood confirmed that the final report has now been received and will inform future safety measures for young drivers.

Concerns continue

Despite these ongoing efforts, road safety experts continue to call for stronger measures to address the disproportionate number of young drivers involved in crashes.

A recent survey from Road Safety GB revealed that young male drivers are particularly vulnerable, accounting for a higher share of fatal accidents compared to their female counterparts.

Factors such as inexperience, risk-taking behaviour, and the temptation to speed are often cited as contributors to this alarming trend.

Simon Williams, head of policy at the RAC, acknowledged the Government’s commitment to taking action, but expressed concern over the decision to rule out a GDL.

He pointed out that over 60% of all young driver collisions occur in the first year of driving, making the first few months especially dangerous for new drivers.

“We’re pleased to hear that the Government is exploring alternative measures, but we are still keen to see what will be done to address the high collision rates among young drivers in their first year behind the wheel,” Williams said. “The reality is that many young drivers are still involved in tragic accidents, and it’s essential that the Government considers all options to tackle this problem.”

The stats

The statistics surrounding road casualties paint a sobering picture of the risks facing young drivers:

  • In 2023, young drivers (17-24 years old) represented approximately 20% of all killed or seriously injured (KSI) casualties in collisions involving cars.
  • 90 young drivers lost their lives on UK roads last year, and over 1,000 were seriously injured.
  • In contrast to the overall reduction in road deaths in recent decades, young driver fatalities remain disproportionately high.

Moving forward

While the Government remains committed to improving road safety, its rejection of a GDL means that it will likely continue to focus on education, training, and technological solutions, such as telematics and hazard perception initiatives, to reduce the risk to young drivers.

As new research from Driver 2020 becomes available, it will help shape future decisions on how best to reduce the number of young driver casualties.

However, for now, Greenwood’s department remains resolute in its stance against introducing a GDL, citing concerns about the potential unfair impact on young people’s access to employment, education, and other life opportunities.

With the number of young drivers involved in serious collisions still a pressing issue, the debate on how best to improve their safety is likely to continue in the coming years.

For now, the Government is looking for alternative, non-legislative measures to make young drivers safer without restricting their freedom to drive.