Andy Burnham's government is considering introducing a three or six month minimum learning period for learner drivers, as part of a broader road safety strategy. The proposal follows consultations that ended in mid-May, and the government has promised an update within three months of receiving feedback.
Consultation and targets
The Road Safety Strategy was unveiled by Sir Keir Starmer's previous administration in January. After its launch, the government ran a series of consultations alongside the plan. Those consultations concluded in mid-May, with the Labour Party government committing to an update within three months.
Now that Mr Burnham is Prime Minister, he faces responsibility for making decisions on the proposals this month. The strategy aims for a 65% reduction in the number of people killed or seriously injured on roads in Great Britain by 2035, using a 2022-2024 baseline. Another target is a 70% reduction in the number of children (under 16) killed or seriously injured by 2035, using the same baseline.
Current road casualty statistics
Last year, 1,602 people were killed on roads in Great Britain. These incidents are not just statistics; they represent real people whose lives are cut short, leaving behind grieving families and communities. These fatalities and serious injuries are preventable. Factors including speeding, drink and drug driving, not wearing seat belts, and distractions like mobile phone use make up the “Fatal Four” offences prioritised by the police to reduce the numbers of people killed in road collisions.
Through stricter enforcement, education, and better roads, the number of lives lost can be reduced. It is believed younger people are most at risk, owing to factors like their relative lack of experience, with the Labour government now mulling over changes for those learning.
Impact and next steps
Stats show 27,865 people seriously injured on Great Britain’s roads in 2024. Every 18 minutes someone was killed or seriously injured on Great Britain’s roads in 2024. Data shows 4–5 people a day killed on Great Britain’s roads in 2025, and approximately 9 in 10 collisions have human driver error as a contributory factor.
The government's decision on the learning period is expected this month, as part of the broader strategy to reduce road casualties.
