A new road safety initiative has been launched to support parents and guardians of novice drivers, offering free, evidence-based resources to help young drivers pass their test and develop safer driving behaviours. The collaboration involves leading motoring experts including road safety charity IAM RoadSmart, behavioural scientist Dr Elizabeth Box, the RAC Foundation, and the RAC.
Resources Designed for Parental Guidance
The downloadable resources focus on the crucial role parents and guardians play in supporting safer driving during supervised practice and the transition to independent driving. They supplement Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) paid training and aim to address the high-risk period after passing the practical test.
Young drivers aged 17-24 remain at high risk of serious collisions. In 2024, more than a fifth (22%) of those killed in road traffic collisions involved cars driven by a young car driver. Young male drivers are especially vulnerable, being four times as likely to be killed or seriously injured compared with all car drivers aged 25 and over.
Expert Insights on Parental Engagement
IAM RoadSmart director of policy and communications Nicholas Lyes said: “Young drivers continue to be a high-risk group and although the UK Government has set out reforms to the learning process, road safety experts felt compelled to establish optional tools to bolster safety right now. The evidence shows parental engagement can have a positive impact on the learning and safety of new drivers, so we’re delighted to be able to launch these new supporting materials with other road safety advocates which we believe can help reduce the number of young drivers involved in serious collisions.”
Dr Elizabeth Box, Director of ECM Research Solutions, said: “The learning-to-drive period can be both exciting and daunting for parents, guardians and young drivers alike. International evidence shows that parents and guardians play a hugely important role in shaping early driving habits and behaviours, both during learning and after a test has been passed. Yet many families in the UK currently receive very little practical guidance on how to support young drivers through supervised practice and the early months of solo driving. While information alone will not solve the challenges facing novice driver safety, providing accessible, evidence-based support is an important first step, and we hope these resources will help families feel more confident, encourage constructive conversations and support safer driving during the transition from learning to driving independently.”
Call for Greater Parental Involvement
Simon Williams, head of policy at the RAC, said: “Parents can play a key role in helping their children learn to drive and pass their tests, but doing so can be challenging. As it’s often said, passing the driving test is only the first stage in becoming a driver and everything from there on is all about building positive experience. These resources are designed to give parents and guardians useful tools to help make their novice drivers as safe as possible behind the wheel both before and after passing the test. Those just embarking on their driving careers can also get help learning the rules of the road by using the RAC Driving Theory Test app.”
Steve Gooding, director at the RAC Foundation, said: “Support and encouragement from older, more experienced drivers can be a key part of helping young people themselves become safe and confident behind the wheel. For many parents and guardians footing the bill for lessons is one thing, but as this advice makes clear, so too is helping novice drivers build up their driving experience.”
