GEM backs graduated driving licence

The government has announced it is considering introducing a graduated driving licence, which could include curfews for younger drivers.

The news has been welcomed by GEM, which says an intermediate stage between learner and licence holder could improve safety on UK roads.

GEM road safety officer Neil Worth said, ‘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. 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% 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 believes a graduated driver licensing system should be implemented across the UK without delay, and should include 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; and automatic disqualification for any driving offence.’