The UK government’s recent decision to forgo implementing a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system has garnered significant public support.

A new survey by corporate driver training company TTC reveals that 60% of respondents endorse the move.

This latest proposed version of GDL aims to enhance road safety by introducing temporary restrictions on newly qualified drivers aged 17-24.

Gradual approach

While the latest TTC survey found 60% public support for the government’s decision to abandon the idea, this is contrary to another recent study.

Conducted on behalf of the road safety charity Brake and insurance company Axa UK, the earlier study found that 63% of respondents favoured introducing a phased driving licensing system for young and newly qualified drivers.

This disparity goes some way to highlighting the complexity of the debate surrounding GDL implementation.

Global perspectives

GDL systems have been adopted internationally in countries like the USA, New Zealand, and Sweden.

It typically involves three stages: a supervised learning period, an intermediate phase with certain restrictions, and finally, full licensure.

These programs have been associated with reductions in fatal crashes among young drivers, particularly 16-year-olds.

Statistics and studies have revealed potentially impressive results in cutting the young driver carnage.

However, some studies suggest that the benefits may not extend beyond the initial driving period covered by the restrictions.

Crash rates in the early twenties indicate that restrictions work in themselves for the period, but lasting effects are limited, and there is a greater need for targeted interventions.

Additionally, GDL can restrict young people’s freedom to access work and further education opportunities.

The alternatives

In light of the decision against GDL, alternative strategies are being emphasised to improve young driver safety.

Employer-led driver training has emerged as a pivotal approach, with businesses providing targeted education on high-risk behaviours such as speeding, distraction, and impaired driving.

According to Department for Transport figures, this proactive stance has resulted in a 60% reduction in crashes involving drivers under 25 since 2004.

Rich Hickin, group sales director at TTC, commented: “The scrapping of GDL is disappointing for some road safety advocates, but it highlights the growing importance of employer-backed driver training. Education is key to helping young drivers make safer decisions and reduce risk on the road.”

However, employer-led interventions still leave the most statistically dangerous period for young drivers and their passengers—the immediate 12 months after passing the driving test.

Moving forward 

Government statements say they remain committed to enhancing road safety without disproportionately affecting young drivers.

The Department for Transport has received the final report from Driver 2020, a comprehensive research project aimed at identifying effective interventions and training methods to better prepare newly qualified drivers.

These findings will inform future policies and initiatives to reduce crashes among young motorists further.

As discussions continue, the collaboration between policymakers, employers, and training providers will be crucial in developing strategies that ensure the safety of young drivers while maintaining their mobility and employment opportunities.

Future of roads minister Lilian Greenwood confirmed the Government is still looking at ways to improve road safety without unfairly penalising young drivers.

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.

With around 44% of 17-24-year-olds in the UK holding a full driving licence—many using vehicles for work—industry leaders are keen to see the findings of Driver 2020 implemented.

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

 

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.