Scotland Intensifies Campaign for Graduated Driving Licence Pilot Programme
Graduated driving licences have advanced significantly in one region of the United Kingdom, as Scottish transport authorities intensify their appeal to the Labour Party government for devolved powers. This development marks a crucial step toward implementing a system designed to enhance safety for newly qualified drivers across Scotland.
Ministerial Calls for Enhanced Road Safety Measures
Scotland's Transport Secretary, Fiona Hyslop, has formally requested that the UK Government grant Scotland the necessary authority to conduct a pilot scheme for graduated driving licences. In her statement, Hyslop emphasised that such measures could "help save young lives and cut serious injuries" on the nation's roads.
She further elaborated on the limitations of current UK-wide strategies, noting: "While UK ministers published their Road Safety Strategy in January 2026, its plans do not go far enough. As such, I continue to press for progress and ensure we take action to enhance young driver safety, including the delivery of national behaviour change campaigns focused on young drivers."
Personal Tragedy Fuels Campaign for Legislative Change
The push for graduated driving licences has gained momentum following heartfelt advocacy from Alan Knox, a paramedic whose son was tragically killed in a car accident. Knox has been campaigning for restrictions on newly qualified drivers, arguing that such changes could prevent further loss of life.
He has already held a constructive meeting with Transport Secretary Hyslop to discuss the potential introduction of graduated driving licences in Scotland. Hyslop expressed her gratitude for the meeting, acknowledging the profound impact of losing his son, Lewis, and his friends.
Political Support Across Scottish Constituencies
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes has voiced strong support for the initiative, highlighting the disproportionate number of serious and fatal incidents involving younger drivers in her Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch constituency. She stated: "Young drivers are most vulnerable, especially in areas like the Highlands. Anything that we can do as legislators to reduce deaths on our roads is worth considering."
Forbes underscored the human cost behind the statistics, adding: "Every statistic represents a real person – a young life cut short, a family left grieving, and a community changed forever." She praised Alan Knox's campaign as both personally motivated and professionally informed, given his experience as an ambulance operational area manager and paramedic.
Statistical Evidence and Government Stances
Transport Secretary Hyslop provided compelling data to support the call for action, revealing that young drivers in their first year of driving are 20% more likely to be involved in a collision. The Scottish Government remains determined to mitigate these risks through targeted interventions.
In response, a Department for Transport spokesperson outlined the UK Government's alternative approach: "We want to keep young people safe on the roads while continuing to support their access to work, education and social opportunities. That’s why we’re not introducing blanket restrictions on newly qualified drivers, such as limits on passengers or night‑time driving."
The spokesperson indicated that efforts are instead focused on improving pre-test preparation, including consultations on establishing a minimum learning period for prospective drivers.
