GEM Motoring Assist is calling for a graduated driver licensing system in the UK to help keep new drivers safe.
A recent survey carried out by the road safety and breakdown organisation found that 90 per cent of drivers believe the UK driving test is no longer fit for purpose, and should be replaced by a graduated system.
GEM road safety officer Neil Worth, says that graduated driver licensing (GDL) adds that all-important intermediate element between learner and full licence holder, and allows new drivers to build up their skills and experience over a period of time, using clearly-marked stages.
“Where versions of GDL are already in place, the reduction in young and novice driver collisions has been remarkable,” he says. “For example, research from TRL shows that 16-year-old drivers in the USA who learnt to drive through GDL systems 15 years ago had 37 per cent fewer crashes than those who followed other systems.
“Elsewhere, following the introduction of GDL in New Zealand, injuries from road traffic collisions reduced by almost a quarter for 15- to 19-year olds.”
GEM wants to see a graduated driver licensing system implemented across the UK, which includes the following key components:
- a minimum learning period of 12 months before taking a practical test
- drivers should hold ‘novice’ status for two years after passing the test
- a ban on novice drivers carrying passengers aged under 25
- a night-time driving curfew, unless driving to or from work
- automatic disqualification for any driving offence
Neil Worth concludes: “GEM members are holding the Government to account for failing to prioritise young driver safety, and for wasting lives and money. We believe that GDL, if it goes hand in hand with improvements to public transport across the country, could form a key part of a safer and more sustainable transport future for everyone.”
