Calls to adopt driving licence rules that would see thousands banned from carrying passengers

The RAC Foundation has written to the Minister for the Future of Roads urging the Government to launch new rules targeting younger motorists

Calls have been made by experts for the UK Government to introduce changes to driving licence regulations to enhance road safety, potentially leading to a temporary passenger ban for new drivers. The RAC Foundation has penned a letter to the Minister for the Future of Roads proposing that the country should adopt the Graduated Driving Licensing (GDL) system, which has proven effective in reducing accidents involving young motorists worldwide.

The RAC suggests implementing this scheme to help novices gain vital experience with proposals for a minimum six-month learning period prior to a practical test. Post-test restrictions might include a prohibition on carrying passengers under 25 unless accompanied by an older adult for the first half-year after obtaining their licence or until reaching 20 years old.

READ MORE: DWP benefit claimed by 1.6 million people to be scrapped

Violators could receive six penalty points which under current laws, as set out in the New Drivers Act 1995, would mean an instant loss of the licence and the need to re-sit the driving test.

Experts are advocating for new driving licence rules to enhance road safety across the UK, which could result in drivers being prohibited from carrying passengers for a certain period. The RAC Foundation has penned a letter to the Minister for the Future of Roads, urging the Government to implement new regulations aimed at younger drivers.

Countries worldwide have already embraced the "Graduated Driving Licensing" scheme, leading to a decrease in the number of drivers involved in accidents. In its proposal, the RAC Foundation suggests that a GDL-type scheme could be introduced to help younger drivers gain the necessary experience before they start driving.

This would apply primarily to younger drivers, typically those aged between 17 and 19, and would enforce a minimum six-month learning period before taking a practical test.

Once they've passed their test, new drivers wouldn't be allowed to carry any passengers under 25 unless accompanied by an older adult for the first six months of having their licence or until they turn 20. If found breaking these rules, they could face six penalty points on their driving licence under the proposals.

According to the New Drivers Act 1995, this would result in immediate suspension of the licence and a requirement to retake the practical driving test. The RAC Foundation has highlighted that younger drivers aged between 17 and 24 are "disproportionately represented" in road casualty statistics.

Despite only making up seven per cent of all licence holders, younger drivers are involved in a fifth of all road collisions resulting in deaths and serious injuries. In a letter to future roads minister Lilian Greenwood, the road safety organisation stated that the proposed measures would be more effective than others.

Calls for a night-time driving ban for young motorists have been made by road safety experts, amid fears it could severely hit their job opportunities. The suggestion forms part of the "progressive driver licensing" scheme pushed forward in Parliament by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater.

In related news, Thames Valley Police has kick-started a novel programme aimed at young drivers called Go Drive. This initiative utilises behavioural science to offer a one-hour interactive session designed to increase road safety awareness among the youth.

The rollout is anticipated to take place within educational institutions and community groups, striving to broaden the reach of road safety education.