UK motorists could face new restrictions on their driving activities due to proposed changes in DVLA licence laws being considered by Parliament. Should the legislation pass and come into effect in 2025, all newly qualified drivers might encounter limitations during their first six months with a licence.
While the exact age groups have not been determined, the initiative targets reducing fatalities among 17-24 year olds. Consequently, people born between 2001 and 2008 could be subject to various "bans" or legal constraints on their driving privileges for half a year after obtaining their licence.
The proposals suggest that new drivers may need to be accompanied by an experienced motorist at all times during this initial period.
Potential restrictions include prohibiting driving at certain hours, forbidding passengers in the vehicle, and enforcing a strict zero alcohol limit – in contrast to the allowance for a minimal blood alcohol content in more experienced drivers, reports the Express.
This system is known as a graduated licensing programme, designed to allow individuals to progress through different phases before securing a full driving licence from the DVLA.
The RAC said: "Typically, a graduated licensing program consists of several stages, each with its own requirements and restrictions. For example, in the initial stage, new drivers must be supervised by a licensed and experienced adult."
The proposed legislation would involve a multi-stage process for new drivers, with each stage granting increased privileges, such as unsupervised driving during specific hours or with a limited number of passengers, before ultimately being awarded a full driver's licence.
The primary goal of the new laws is to reduce the number of young fatalities on the roads. A comparable scheme implemented in New Zealand has already yielded promising results, with a 23 per cent decrease in road fatalities among 15-19 year olds and a 12 per cent reduction among 20-24 year olds.
Kim Leadbeater, Member of Parliament for Batley and Spen in Yorkshire, presented the Bill to Parliament, stating: "Many of us will remember being new drivers. The inexperience, the lack of confidence or, sometimes, sadly often amongst younger men, the overconfidence.
"We must never forget that behind [that] statistic there are thousands of lives, right across the country, grieving or going through unimaginable pain. Lives changed forever and families torn apart by tragic and often avoidable collisions."
Several organizations, including the RAC and the AA, have expressed support for the scheme.
RAC road safety spokesman Rod Dennis said: "The tragic statistics speak for themselves. Young drivers, especially men, are far more likely to be killed or seriously injured on our roads, so it's high time a renewed focus was given to reducing casualties.
"Families up and down the country who have lost sons and daughters far too soon are looking for something to change, and graduated driving licences could well be the answer.
"Passing the practical driving test is the very first step in anyone's driving career, but there remains so much more to learn to become a safe, proficient, and confident driver.
"We call on MPs to back this Bill and set the wheels in motion in creating legislation that has the potential to save lives."
Darren Miller, from BigWantsYourCar.com, said: "The introduction of graduated driving licenses (GDLs) presents a proactive approach to enhancing road safety, particularly for new drivers.
"By imposing restrictions on elements like the number of passengers and alcohol consumption, this bill aims to tackle the alarming statistics related to young driver accidents.
"Previous statistics have shown that a significant portion of road fatalities involve young drivers, with male drivers aged 17-24 being four times more likely to be involved in accidents compared to older age groups."
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