Skip advert
Advertisement

‘Our responsibility to new drivers is falling short’

Editor-in-chief Steve Fowler thinks more needs to be done to support drivers who have just passed their test

Opinion - new drivers

It’s been a momentous month for the Fowler family; our driveway has got a lot more crowded due to our twin boys passing their driving tests within weeks of each other. It gets even busier when their ‘just passed’ mates come round, too.

This has started a frenzy of car activity, extra expense and parental worry, with two lads and their new-found freedom. It remains one of the greatest feelings in the world, with the opportunity to explore new places and increased social activity. I remember it well.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Intensive driving courses: the ultimate guide

There’s plenty I can do to help, practising what we preach in the pages of this magazine. For example, I’ve replaced the questionable choice of tyres previous owners decided on with Continental rubber; the brand swept the board at our tyre tests last year. I’ve also fitted Nextbase dash cams to both their cars (these devices are multiple Auto Express award winners, too).

As far as the lads themselves are concerned, they’re both signed to up to IAM Roadsmart Young Driver Assessments (alongside my older daughter, who’s been driving for a couple of years now). They’re all keen to extend their learning and see the benefits – as I do – of aiming for full IAM Roadsmart membership to make them better drivers, as well as potential insurance savings.

It’s vital to arm new drivers with the tools they need to stay safe on the roads, in terms of the cars they’re driving as well as the attitude of the person behind the wheel.

The history of the driving test

But talking to my lads and their friends, they say we have a system that is good at producing a test that’s increasingly difficult to pass (not a bad thing), but they’re then dumped onto the roads with no further support. No online tools to continue their learning or answer questions, and no guidance on how to buy a decent car, keep it safe and well maintained.

The stats surrounding new drivers speak for themselves; more needs to be done to keep them safe. We’d like the DVLA to extend its responsibility beyond the day when people pass their test.

Do you agree with Steve? Do you think more needs to be done to support new drivers? Let us know your thoughts below...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Editor-in-chief

Steve Fowler has been editor-in-chief of Auto Express since 2011 and is responsible for all editorial content across the website and magazine. He has previously edited What Car?, Autocar and What Hi-Fi? and has been writing about cars for the best part of 30 years. 

Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

‘Dacia Zen’ seven-year warranty brings added peace of mind
Dacia Duster - tailgate
News

‘Dacia Zen’ seven-year warranty brings added peace of mind

The value brand’s new warranty is also available on used cars, as well as for existing Dacia customers
16 Apr 2024
Car Deal of the Day: Mercedes EQC offers luxury EV motoring for £327 a month
Mercedes EQC - front cornering
News

Car Deal of the Day: Mercedes EQC offers luxury EV motoring for £327 a month

Mercedes’s EQC showed that the German firm was serious about electric cars and it’s our Car Deal of the Day for Monday 15 April
15 Apr 2024
New 2024 Audi A3 takes the fight to BMW and Mercedes with £32k price tag
Audi A3 Saloon - front action
News

New 2024 Audi A3 takes the fight to BMW and Mercedes with £32k price tag

The updated Audi A3 is available now, with the hot S3 version due from May
16 Apr 2024