A plan has been put forward for a new driving licence rule for all drivers aged 17 to 24. Graduated Driving Licences (GDL) are set to be introduced in Northern Ireland, and now experts want the Labour Party government to make the same move in England.
Road Safety Concerns
Road safety experts from GEM Motoring Assist have called for the GDL system to be introduced across England. Drivers between the ages of 17 and 24 account for one in five road deaths, despite representing just seven per cent of all licence holders in the UK. This staggering 20 per cent fatality rate highlights the need for change.
James Luckhurst, head of road safety at GEM, said: "We do many things well in the UK, particularly in driver training, but the current system offers too little structured support once someone passes the test. That is where the real risk begins. The choice is simple: continue with a system we know is failing too many young people, or take proven steps that will save lives. Doing nothing is not a neutral position - it is a decision with consequences."
Northern Ireland's GDL Implementation
The GDL in Northern Ireland is set to start on October 1, 2026. From this date, anyone applying for a new provisional driving licence will enter the graduated driver licensing system rather than the current learning process. Key measures include:
- New drivers cannot take their driving test for at least six months after being granted their provisional licence, with an exemption for carers.
- Learners must complete 14 modules in the programme of training, signed off by an approved driving instructor or supervising driver (parent or guardian).
- The restriction period for displaying 'R' plates increases from 12 to 24 months after passing the driving test. A different colour 'R' plate will signify a driver in their initial six-month period.
- New drivers up to the age of 24 can only have one passenger aged 14-20 in their car between 11pm and 6am. This does not include immediate family members and does not apply if a person aged 21 or over, who has held a full licence for at least three years, is sitting in the front passenger seat.
Government Response
A Department for Transport spokesperson said: "Every death on our roads is a tragedy and our thoughts remain with the families of everyone who has lost a loved one in this way. Whilst we are not considering Graduated Driving Licences, we absolutely recognise that young people are disproportionately victims of tragic incidents on our roads, and we are exploring options to tackle the root causes of this without unfairly penalising young drivers."
The proposal has sparked debate about how best to improve road safety for young drivers while balancing fairness and practicality.
