In the UK, new drivers have a fairly easy time when it comes to getting on the road. There are no restrictions on the types of car they can buy; nor are there any rules that prevent them from driving at certain speeds or times of the day, unless they agree to similar terms in return for a cheaper insurance policy.
Punishment is also only slightly harsher for new drivers. If you have been qualified to drive for under two years and receive six points during that time, then your driver’s license will be revoked.
This puts the UK at odds with other countries such as Australia, New Zealand, the US and Ireland, where stricter rules have been introduced in an effort ease to inexperienced drivers onto the road. Such measures have included restricting the engine size and power outage of the cars that new drivers are permitted to drive, a ban on anyone under the age of 25 driving at night and a lower maximum speed limit for the first year or two after the driver has qualified.
Last month, Prime minister, Theresa May, announced that she will be discussing the prospect of a “graduated licence” scheme with the Department of Transport, in an effort to reduce the number of accidents involving newly-qualified motorists.
Government statistics have suggested that a quarter of recently-qualified motorists are involved in an accident in the first two years that they are allowed to drive. Over 400 young drivers are killed or seriously injured in the UK each year.
What is a ‘graduated license’?
A graduated license acts as a slow introduction for new drivers. Areas of Canada have implemented a graduated license system, which requires a new driver to complete two separate courses on driving before they earn their full licence.
How other countries are protecting their drivers
In Australia, New Zealand and some areas of the US, newly-qualified drivers are not allowed to drive without an experienced driver as a passenger. There are also limits on the number of passengers that can be in the vehicle.
Ireland requires new drivers to wear novice plates on their vehicles. They are also subject to a far lower alcohol limit when compared to more experienced drivers.
Within the UK, Northern Ireland requires all new drivers to wear amber ‘R’ (restricted) plates. They also take the additional step of imposing a 45mph maximum speed limit on drivers for the first year.
The RAC has welcomed the news with road safety spokesman, Pete Williams, saying: 'The RAC has been calling for a reform of driving education for young people and the introduction of graduated driving licences with a minimum supervised learning period and restrictions on the number of passengers permitted in the car so this is a very positive step towards preventing the loss of young lives on our roads.”
Williams continued: 'Evidence from other countries where some form of graduated driver licensing is used shows that it has been successful in reducing the number of collisions involving young drivers, but in order for it to be as effective as possible it has to be part of an overall package of measures including more extensive driver education.
'We welcome a common-sense approach to driver education such as the recent decision to allow probationary licence holders to take lessons on motorway driving.”