News & Features
Another Proposal for Graduated Licences
Posted in General News on Wednesday, May 22nd, 2024
Under a new Bill proposed by the Labour MP, Kim Leadbeater Graduated Driving Licences (GDLs) would be introduced for young, newly qualified drivers. It has already received cross-party and industry support. GDLs have been implemented in many countries around the world with the purpose of helping young drivers gain experience gradually
The proposed Bill would introduce a number of restrictions for newly qualified drivers for the first six months, including a zero tolerance on Alcohol and limitations on the number of young passengers allowed. The purpose of GDLs is to reduce the risks associated with inexperienced drivers, such as accidents and fatalities on the roads, which in 2022 totalled 29,742 in the UK. Around a fifth of these involved a young driver.
Typically, a graduated licensing program consists of several stages, each with its own requirements and restrictions. For example, in the initial stage, new drivers must be supervised by a licensed and experienced adult. As they progress through the stages, they may gain more privileges, such as driving unsupervised during certain hours or with a limited number of passengers. Finally, after completing all requirements, they are granted a full driver's licence. RAC Road Safety Spokesperson, Rod Dennis said: “The tragic statistics speak for themselves. Young drivers, especially men, are far more likely to be killed or seriously injured on our roads, so it’s high time a renewed focus was given to reducing casualties.”
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Inkedonwheels
Wednesday, May, 22nd, 2024
I don't see a problem with GDL's the statistics do really show the issue. I wonder would it also include restrictions on the vehicles similar to that faced by people learning to ride motorbikes, I've often wondered why there isn't
Alan Evans
Thursday, May, 23rd, 2024
I neither agree or disagree you need to be careful what you wish for yes some young drivers drive badly but so do many others and there is a river of thinking that older people should be tested as there is evidence that they aren’t as space aware as younger people I do believe that in this era drivers should be motorway/ trunk road trained as part of their tuition and as part of the test Sad to say my last point is who will check and enforce any new law the Police despite recruiting are certainly not retaining so with fewer officers that idea cannot be enforced I would rather those who drive without a licence or insurance be dealt with by the courts in a appropriate way than the changes suggested
Sam Johnston
Wednesday, May, 22nd, 2024
For once N.Ireland are ahead of UK we have had new driver restrictions for decades, once you pass your driving test you have to display an R plate for one year if you have any motoring offenses in that year you could have that R plate time increased.
R J Goodridge
Thursday, May, 23rd, 2024
Fully agree with the sentiments the m.p. Proposes to bring in .
Frank Allan
Thursday, May, 23rd, 2024
I totally agree when i passed my test there was a limited number of vehicles on the roads there were no major motorways you were able to gain a lot of experience and vehicles had limited top speed's.
Martin leach
Wednesday, May, 22nd, 2024
I feel it is a step in right direction. I would like to see no motorway driving, until completing an enhanced grade licence. You can use motorway to practice with a fully qualified driver who has 5 years experience and displaying front and rear a L plate with red line around edge so other road users are aware learner driver.
Martin leach
Wednesday, May, 22nd, 2024
I feel it is a step in right direction. I would like to see no motorway driving, until completing an enhanced grade licence. You can use motorway to practice with a fully qualified driver who has 5 years experience and displaying front and rear a L plate with red line around edge so other road users are aware learner driver.
MR R I PARKER
Wednesday, May, 22nd, 2024
Good idea but not 100% could be better if taught correct in the first place and driving test made better as at this time a 10 year old can pass test . I have been driving all types of vehicles for 50 years + and have seen many accidents not caused by young drivers.One thing motorway driving should be 2years for new drivers
Matt Crane
Wednesday, May, 22nd, 2024
I do not see this GDL's being an issue it is about time the government stopped the descrimination that Motorcyclists have been subjected to for decades with regards to bike restrictions and licencing. It currently costs £1000's to gain a full motorcycle licence having to go from 50cc to 125cc then depending on the riders age they are then limited again until they reach the age of 24 then they have to do both stages of the test all over again at even more further costs.....
Mary Wells-Walker
Wednesday, May, 22nd, 2024
Should be similar to Northern Ireland. Having to display an R Plate for a year after passing a Drivibg Rest.and being subject to Restrictions.
Denmoody
Wednesday, May, 22nd, 2024
Yes this is well overdue and can be a good thing considering the present state of roads. Passing the driving test does not make you an experienced driver-just the start of driving for real.
Lynnet Williams
Wednesday, May, 22nd, 2024
A good idea.
Alan Evans
Wednesday, May, 22nd, 2024
I neither agree or disagree you need to be careful what you wish for yes some young drivers drive badly but so do many others and there is a river of thinking that older people should be tested as there is evidence that they aren’t as space aware as younger people I do believe that in this era drivers should be motorway/ trunk road trained as part of their tuition and as part of the test Sad to say my last point is who will check and enforce any new law the Police despite recruiting are certainly not retaining so with fewer officers that idea cannot be enforced I would rather those who drive without a licence or insurance be dealt with by the courts in a appropriate way than the changes suggested
P.MACHIN
Wednesday, May, 22nd, 2024
About time
Anna Reid
Wednesday, May, 22nd, 2024
Long overdue improvements to licencing. I'd also like to see motorway and advanced style of driving being included, after the initial test, compulsorilory.
B.Anderson
Wednesday, May, 22nd, 2024
We have had graduated licences for about 55 yeats (R plate) in Northern Ireland z part of the UK. They are a good idea.
Edmund Hobby
Friday, May, 24th, 2024
We too many vehicles using a road system that cannot cope. From my point of view being one of the older drivers that many want rid of, having had the benefit of Police Driver training, I feel that this is a step in the right direction. Having said that the standard of tuition needs to be tightened up. Driving School car cutting the corner on a blind bend.. Driving school car parked within the Pedestrian Crossing. How can you expect young people to drive properly with this sort of example. The biggest problem is how will the DofT testing cope with drivers having to come back after 6 mths. As to cost it seems many people now of any age do not bother with inconsequentials such as a driving licence or insurance. As already said if caught its just a slap on the wrist. Yes, an excellent idea BUT has it been thought through?
Charliebrave
Friday, May, 24th, 2024
I think this would work in some situations but for others it would be so unfair, not all drivers are irresponsible my daughter is 18 and about to learn to drive, she has ridden a moped and now a 125cc bike since 16 years old, and has road awareness she had to do a CBT, I've been looking at the driving test and cant believe how much is theory now a days surely the practical should take president, i known a few young drivers that fly through their theory and pass their test within a few months, and no follow up for motorway, when I was taught to drive it was on all sorts of roads including the dark and bad weather, I also was taught the basics of controling the car with the radio on holding a conversation and many other things. My daughters are both going to find the theory the hardest part, and will be having extra lessons after to take the motorway. I think personally there should be a driver's education course provided in school as many have 6 forms in them now. Some special schools have lessons for both car and bike, they need to think hard and consider everything before the knee jerk response.