Call for new drivers to have graduated licences
Fri, 26 Apr 2024
The AA wants the next UK government to introduce a Graduated Driver Licence (GDL) for newly-qualified drivers after research revealed more than 7 in 10 motorists would support such a scheme.
It follows research that shows 1 in 5 young drivers crash within a year of passing their test – and more than 1500 are killed or seriously injured each year.
A graduated driver licence would place restrictions on newly-qualified drivers, such as not being able to carry friends for six months after they have passed.
They would still be able to drive with older friends and family – but would be restricted from carrying their peers.
There could be other restrictions too, which would be gradually phased out as new drivers gained experience.
Both the AA Trust and the AA Driving School support the idea of a GDL, as does road safety group Brake.
"Brake has long been calling for this type of licensing to be introduced. We need a system in place that is designed to safeguard young people as they start to drive independently after passing their driving test," says Brake's Lucy Straker.
The call for a GDL is part of the AA’s five-point Motoring Manifesto, which it has announced ahead of upcoming local and mayor elections alongside a pending General Election.
The AA wants the next UK government to take steps to permanently fix potholes on British roads – which 96% of drivers say is their number one transport issue.
Other manifesto pledges include freezing the fuel duty, reducing Insurance Premium Tax and cutting VAT for on-street EV charging.
The AA is calling for increased roads policing too – and wants the 'failed experiment' of smart motorways to be scrapped.
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