News & Features

Fresh Calls for Graduated Licensing

Posted in News on Monday, May 18th, 2026

Published on 15 April 2026, Brake’s Young Driver Safety report reveals a sobering reality: 35% of UK adults have been personally affected by or know someone involved in a crash with a young driver. Among 18 to 24-year-olds, that figure jumps to a staggering 54%.

The statistics are difficult to ignore. In 2024, young drivers (aged 17–24) were involved in 20% of all collisions resulting in death or serious injury. That accounts for 4,740 casualties annually, half of whom are other road users like pedestrians and cyclists.

The report lands as the Government consults on new road safety measures  Public opinion is overwhelmingly in favor of a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system:

• 77% support a stronger licensing system to reduce road trauma
• 88% back a zero-tolerance drink-driving limit for new drivers
• 72% believe these changes are essential to save lives

Brake CEO Ross Moorlock emphasises that these measures, such as minimum learning periods and passenger restrictions, aren't about "penalising" young people. Instead, they are about replacing "inevitable" tragedies with preventable safeguards. With the Government consultation open until 11 May, the message is clear: it’s time to move beyond the status quo and equip our young drivers for the road ahead.

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