Public Backs Stronger Driver Licensing Rules for Young Motorists

New research has revealed strong public support for tougher driver licensing measures in Britain, as concerns continue over collisions involving young and newly qualified drivers.

According to a new Young Driver Safety report from Brake, 77% of people support a stronger driver licensing system to help reduce deaths and injuries on UK roads.

The charity surveyed 3,000 people to explore attitudes towards young driver safety and possible changes to the current licensing system.

Support for restrictions on new driversThe research also found significant support for measures targeting higher-risk situations involving learners and newly qualified drivers:

• 70% support a minimum learning period — such as six months — before learners can take their driving test
• 73% agree that newly qualified young drivers should wait several months before carrying passengers of a similar age
• 74% support restrictions on unsupervised late-night driving for newly qualified drivers during their first months on the road
• 88% believe new drivers should have a zero-alcohol limit for at least six months after passing their test
• 61% back legal restrictions preventing young drivers from carrying passengers under 25 for six months after qualifying, with certain exemptions

Focus on reducing risk

Road safety campaigners have long argued that young drivers face a significantly higher collision risk during the first months after passing their test, particularly when driving at night or carrying peer-age passengers.

The findings are likely to fuel further debate around graduated driver licensing and whether additional safeguards should be introduced to better protect young motorists and other road users.