Reports of the UK government planning to introduce a graduated licensing scheme for new drivers appear to have been overstated, according to the Driving Instructors Association (DIA). The scheme would have prevented new drivers from carrying passengers in their first six months of independent driving.
Media outlets, including television news channels, reported on the supposed plans earlier this week, citing unnamed sources.
Read an example of one report here.
At a road safety forum attended by the DIA later in the week, stakeholders were informed that no such announcement on graduated licensing was imminent, and that any future developments would be discussed with stakeholders first.
It is believed that some road safety campaigners were behind the story, possibly hoping to encourage the government to introduce the measures sooner rather than later. Reports had suggested that the new scheme would be announced as soon as May, but this now appears unlikely.
4 thoughts on “Road Safety Campaigners Spark Controversy with Graduated Licensing Scheme Claims”
What a terrible idea. We keep blaming less experienced drivers, but if the test was any good then it wouldn’t be a problem. If stiffer sentences were in place for the poor driving of experienced drivers, then maybe life on the road would be easier. Bigger bans for dangerous driving, and more cameras that are actually switched on might be. a start. Ongoing theory tests and assessments throughout a drivers time on the road. Another option would be compulsory additional lessons over their first 2 years based on the number of faults during their test. The whole test process is to blame for poor road standards, and lack of basic good manners like the use of signals.
Read this and did hear it where we live in rural community it’ll be impossible what they need to look at is p plates with driving a certain cc engine like Australia but also have a check after 12 months this will sort out slot of the so called racers
i have always advised on young drivers to only have one passenger with none in the back. No matter what you advise they do go against the grain and know best at the age of 17 and have a car full. As we have a lack of traffic police it isn’t going to work.
It does not sound right that newly qualified drivers should not be allowed to carry passengers. There are others ways to make driving test more stringent eg learner drivers may have to take minimum of driving lessons and have portfolio to show that they have achieved certain level before being allowed to book driving test.
So whatever DVSA is planning should be put forward for discussion to collect all opinions and prepare public for that.