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Four in 10 say Graduated Driver Licences could reduce crashes – Tempcover

The scheme could bring in night-time curfews, longer supervised learning periods and limits on carrying passengers.

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41% of drivers believe that if Graduated Driver Licences (GDL) were introduced across the UK, these rules could cut the number of crashes involving young drivers, according to research by Tempcover.

The scheme could bring in night-time curfews, longer supervised learning periods and limits on carrying passengers, all designed to tackle the highest-risk situations faced by new drivers.

While the rules would apply to all new drivers, they are primarily designed to protect those aged 17 to 23.

One in five young drivers crash within a year of passing their test, and every year, more than 1,500 are killed or seriously injured on UK roads, according to Brake, the road safety charity.

Nearly two-thirds (63%) said the measures could help reduce road collisions overall, not just those involving young people.

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More than a third (35%) said the changes could help young people become better drivers and improve their safety, while a similar share (34%) believed the proposed rules would encourage safer driving habits in the long term.

More than one in five (22%) believed the rules could increase frustration among young drivers, while 18% worried they could limit independence, and 13% believed they could make it harder for young drivers to get around day to day.

A further one in 10 (10%) were concerned that young drivers may be encouraged to break rules, with 8% believing the rules may discourage young people from learning to drive altogether.

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3% of drivers expressed complete mistrust, believing the rules would have little or no impact on young drivers.

Drivers showed the strongest overall support for the introduction of 14 mandatory training modules, with 57% backing the measure.

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Curfew limits followed closely at 56%, including 32% who strongly support them.

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A small minority (4%) were strongly opposed, but nearly one in five (19%) were somewhat opposed to the measures.

Claire Wills-McKissick, learner driver insurance expert at Tempcover, said: “While it’s understandable that some young drivers may worry about restrictions, our research shows most motorists recognise the specific safety benefits these rules offer.

“The measures are designed to tackle various distinct challenges new drivers face.

“For example, extending the supervised learning phase gives more time to experience a wider variety of road and weather conditions, helping new drivers build stronger, instinctual driving habits.

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“Meanwhile, limiting late-night passengers helps new drivers maintain their focus, specifically by reducing in-car distractions during more challenging nighttime journeys.

“Drivers aged 17 to 25 generally face the highest insurance premiums, as they are statistically more likely to be involved in accidents.

“Reducing crashes among this group could help stabilise costs, adding another tangible benefit to the scheme.”

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