The Department for Transport (DfT) is seeking views on introducing a minimum time period between passing a theory test and taking a practical driving test. Our consultation covers driving tests taken for a category B licence, the standard licence used to operate a car.

We also welcome views on:

• introducing a minimum number of supervised practical driving hours
• creating a mandated learning syllabus
• the ways that any required learning could be conducted

This consultation does not present a preferred option, allowing stakeholders to provide views on a variety of potential approaches.

https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/x-MDJXCL/

Reasons to agree to this Consultation:

Be Safe:
In Great Britain, young drivers between 17 and 24 account for 6% of driving licence holders but were involved in 24% of fatal and serious collisions in 2024. 

Young drivers, particularly teenagers, are statistically more likely to be involved in collisions compared to older, generally more experienced drivers. That is why insurance companies use age as a factor in determining risk, leading to higher premiums for young and novice drivers.

Be prepared:
We want to ensure our young and novice drivers are well prepared before being able to drive independently on our roads and that is why we are consulting on what measures to include in an MLP. International evidence suggests that introducing an MLP could improve the safety of our roads

Get Insured:
Motor insurance premiums are set according to the risks associated with a given applicant. As part of that assessment, insurers take into account:

• the age and experience of the applicant
• the applicant’s record of claims
• the type of vehicle that will be driven

If the number of collisions involving young and novice drivers decreases overall, this may contribute to a reduction in insurance premiums for younger drivers.

Keep your Licence:
Drivers who accumulate 6 or more penalty points during their probationary period will have their licences automatically revoked by DVLA acting on behalf of the Secretary of State for Transport. To regain full entitlement, the driver will be required to apply for a provisional driving licence and comply with the ‘learner’ conditions until they pass both the theory and practical tests.

https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/introducing-a-minimum-learning-period-for-learner-drivers/introducing-a-minimum-learning-period-for-learner-drivers-category-b-driving-licence