A new bill proposing the introduction of a graduated driving licence system has been introduced to Parliament. It is still awaiting further debate by MPs but, if it becomes law, the bill will place tighter restrictions on newly qualified motorists.
The purpose of the bill is to help cut down on the number of traffic accidents. Between June 2022 and June 2023, more than 350 people aged between 17 and 29 were fatally injured in traffic accidents on UK roads – a figure that the government, road safety charities and motoring organisations such as the RAC want to quash.
Under the proposed law, newly qualified drivers would be subject to restrictions for the first six months of their motoring career. These restrictions include caps on the number of passengers they’re allowed to carry, a zero-tolerance drink driving policy and curfews. Parkers understands that exemptions will be made for work, medical and emergency situations for the first and third points.
The bill has been dubbed the Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) (New Drivers) Bill. It was introduced to Parliament by Kim Leadbeater, Labour MP for Batley and Spen. It’s also worth noting the proposal has support from both sides of the Commons.
When delivering the proposal, Leadbeater said: ‘This bill is not about taking away young people’s freedom or fun. It’s about trying to save their lives. By giving them the opportunity to build their experience and confidence during the first six months of driving after passing their test, we can try and ensure that they have a happy lifetime of driving and the future that they deserve.’
Leadbeater also made the point that, in 2022, around a fifth of all fatalities on UK roads were a result of collisions involving cars driven by a young driver.
What is a graduated driving licence?
Graduated driving licences have been bandied around the UK parliament since Theresa May was in power back in 2018. The scheme was originally explored in response to pressure from the opposition about high accident figures. However, it was shelved in 2020 in favour of a restructured driving tuition programme.
Because of this, the terms of a graduated driving licence bill still haven’t been finalised. But possible restrictions that could be placed on newly qualified drivers include:
- Mandatory ‘P’ plates: required for up to two years after passing a driving test.
- Passenger restrictions: limits on numbers and restrictions on ages.
- Engine restrictions: limits on engine sizes and power outputs.
- Speed limits: new drivers could be subject to lower speed limits.
- Lower alcohol limits: to try and crack down on young drink drivers.
- Curfews: they could prevent new drivers from taking to the road at night.
The restrictions have been a source of debate amongst politicians and road safety charities since they were first proposed.
For example, the road safety charity Brake supports placing passenger restrictions on new drivers. Brake says drivers under the age of 25 are four times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash if they have their friends in the car. The charity claims peer pressure can lead to new motorists showing off and driving dangerously.
However, the restrictions that would have subjected new motorists to a night-time curfew were dismissed by the government in January 2022, as it recognised that young drivers working late shifts may rely on their cars for employment.
The AA and the RAC have also weighed in on graduated driving licences – and both motoring organisations are in support of the scheme. In a statement issued to the government in April 2024, the RAC said:
‘The UK might have some of the safest roads in Europe, but as long as young drivers remain over-represented in road traffic collisions there’s no question that more needs to be done. A graduated driver licensing scheme has the potential to transform that picture in a positive way.
‘While such a scheme may involve introducing a minimum number of learning hours, restrictions on carrying passengers, and possibly a stricter drink-drive limit, we’d like to see serious consideration given to ‘black box’, telematics-based insurance policies which are very effective at monitoring how new drivers’ behave behind the wheel with a view to keeping them safe.’
What does this mean for me?
If you’re a learning or recently qualified driver, this bill could change the early stages of your driving career. If it becomes law, you won’t be allowed to load your car up with your mates for the first six months after you’ve passed your test.
You’ll also need to be extra careful about driving the morning after drinking. If roadside or police station tests prove you’ve got any alcohol in your system while you’ve been at the wheel of a car, you will lose your licence.
Currently, new drivers are subject to the same drink drive limits as experienced drivers. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, that limit is 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath or 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood.
In Scotland, the limits are even lower, at 22 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath and 50 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood.
Luke Wilkinson is Deputy Editor of Parkers. He has five years of experience as a car journalist, and spends his time writing news, reviews, features and advice pieces for both Parkers and its sister site CAR magazine.
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