What are graduated driving licences and how do they work
Becoming a new driver on our roads can be a daunting prospect. Not only are you still learning once you’ve passed your test, but you are surrounded by others who have gained a lot more experience and a lot more confidence behind the wheel.
It is inevitable then that a new driver is more likely to have an accident than someone who has been on the roads for several years. On the other hand, a new driver may behave in a way to show off their recently acquired skills by driving erratically or dangerously to others – either way, there’s the potential for accidents to happen.
Recently, a new drivers bill law wants to create a ‘Graduated Driving Licence’ and has already received support from industries to proceed with this proposal.
So what is a Graduated Driving Licence? And what do they entail? We have answered some of your questions regarding this new scheme.
What is a Graduated Driving Licence?
A Graduated Driving Licence - or GDL for short - is designed to help new, inexperienced drivers on the road. It’s a driving licence with restrictions that won’t allow certain activities for the driver to do within the first six months after passing their test.
There will be a zero-alcohol tolerance limit and drivers will be restricted to the amount of passengers they can carry. Furthermore, it’ll reduce the number of hours they drive during the day or not drive at night.
What is the reason behind this scheme?
The main focus of this scheme is to reduce road fatalities and injuries. In 2022, the UK recorded 29,742 accidents on our roads with one-fifth of these involving a young driver.
For new drivers who pass their test, having a graduated licence has the potential to reduce hazardous scenarios by reducing the number of occupants they can have in their car at once while a reduction in night-time driving hours can help boost safety.
Another reason behind GDLs is when someone begins their motoring career, driving solo for the first time be intimidating. The GDL will allow experienced adults to sit alongside the new drivers to help guide them through tricky situations and this hopefully will help them deal with tricky motoring situations in a calmer manner.
Is the UK the only country in the world that will have GDLs?
The UK is one country that is late to the party with this scheme. Countries like New Zealand, which implemented this system way back in 1988 have found that there has been a 23 per cent reduction in car collision injuries for 15 to 19-year-olds and a 12 per cent reduction for 20 to 24-year-olds.
Other countries including Sweden, Canada, Australia, Finland, France and Northern Ireland have all got graduated driving licences for new drivers.
What’s the current situation regarding British driving licences?
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In the UK currently, if you pass your driving test, you have no restrictions whatsoever when it comes to passengers, driving times, night driving or even driving in extreme conditions such as snow or fog.
Many driving schools today still encourage students to take a Pass Plus programme after they pass their driving test. This scheme brings additional learning in other areas not covered by the standard driving test, such as being on the motorway.
What is Pass Plus?
Pass Plus enables students who have passed their driving test to gain experience in other areas of learning to drive that isn’t conducted on the typical test routes. That means people can gain experience driving at night for example. It helps individuals become more confident behind the wheel while holding a full driving licence.
