New drivers under 25 could be banned from giving lifts to friends

The UK’s roads minister considers a graduated driving licence preventing young drivers from carrying other young passengers for a year

passengers

The roads minister Richard Holden will reportedly consider calls from road safety lobbyists to amend the UK driving licence rules so newly qualified drivers under 25 can’t take to the roads with their mates as passengers.

A so-called ‘graduated licence’ scheme would mean anyone passing the driving test before reaching the age of 25 would have to wait a year before being allowed to carry other people of a similar age. While the move has been championed by groups such as Support for Victims of Road Crashes, which is a charity that advises the Department for Transport, others fear more interference from the ‘nanny state’ when it comes to personal freedoms. Current legislation already means novice drivers have a two-year probationary period, during which they’re only allowed to accumulate six penalty points before having their licences revoked.

The RAC’s road safety spokesman Simon WIlliams has welcomed the return of discussion over graduated licences, which were considered under Theresa May’s government but ruled out due to the potential impact on young people who depend on their cars for work.

“Young people, and especially young men, continue to be massively over-represented in road collision statistics, so introducing restrictions that are gradually reduced over the first few years of driving may be one of the measures needed to bring the dreadful numbers down,” said WIlliams.

“It’s important any graduated driver licensing scheme doesn’t disadvantage young people who depend on their cars for work, so a balance needs to be struck.”

The RAC also points out that younger drivers actually account for fewer crashes than drivers in the 85 years and older bracket, yet there is no similar government consideration for licence restrictions there. Nonetheless, the organisation says there could also be “merit” in restricting passengers that young drivers are allowed to carry at certain times, or a tougher drink drive limit.

Parliament will consider the future of the Road Traffic New Drivers Act next month, with roads minister Holden expected to announce plans for amendments on May 16th.

Do you think graduated driving licences are a good idea? tell us your thoughts in the comments section below...

First Cars on Auto Express... 

First cars graphic FINAL

Everything you need to know about learning to drive, getting your driving licence and choosing your first car...

Learning to drive

Passing your driving test

Getting your first car

Current affairs and features editor

Chris covers all aspects of motoring life for Auto Express. Over a long career he has contributed news and car reviews to brands such as Autocar, WhatCar?, PistonHeads, Goodwood and The Motor Trader.

Recommended

UK firm fitting ‘pop bang’ aftermarket exhausts fined in landmark court case
MINI Hatch exhaust
News

UK firm fitting ‘pop bang’ aftermarket exhausts fined in landmark court case

A successful court action against a workshop advertising and fitting non-standard exhaust parts is ‘a lesson for businesses’ from the DVSA
23 Nov 2023
Why is electric car insurance so expensive? EV vs ICE cost analysis
BMW iX3
News

Why is electric car insurance so expensive? EV vs ICE cost analysis

We look into claims that electric cars face higher insurance premiums than ICE equivalents
22 Nov 2023
No help for electric car buyers in Autumn budget statement
Parliament
News

No help for electric car buyers in Autumn budget statement

Chancellor resists calls from industry to fund EV purchase grants or reduce VAT on public charging
22 Nov 2023
What’s in the 2023 Autumn Statement for drivers? EV incentives, fuel duty or VAT on charging?
News

What’s in the 2023 Autumn Statement for drivers? EV incentives, fuel duty or VAT on charging?

We look at some of the options for chancellor Jeremy Hunt when he announces his plans on 22 November
21 Nov 2023

Most Popular

New 2024 Dacia Duster: third generation of Europe’s best-selling SUV revealed
Dacia Duster - front
News

New 2024 Dacia Duster: third generation of Europe’s best-selling SUV revealed

Dacia has taken the wraps off the latest Duster, which arrives with a new look and fresh technology
29 Nov 2023
New Renault 5: price, specs, launch and on sale dates
Renault 5 EV concept at 2022 Goodwood Festival of Speed
News

New Renault 5: price, specs, launch and on sale dates

Renault’s reborn Renault 5 will start from €25,000 in Europe, suggesting a circa-£30k price in the UK. It's due on sale in the summer of 2024. Here's …
1 Dec 2023
New BMW X3 replacement to grow in size and feature a minimalist dash
BMW Neue Klasse SUV exclusive image - front
News

New BMW X3 replacement to grow in size and feature a minimalist dash

BMW’s first Neue Klasse electric SUV could carry the iX3 nameplate and our exclusive images preview how it might look
30 Nov 2023