Future Drivers Could Face Six-Month Learning Period Before Test

Get ready for a longer road to independence, young drivers. New proposals could soon mean learner motorists in England and Wales must wait up to six months before they can even book their practical driving test. This significant shake-up is part of a wider government strategy aimed at drastically improving road safety across the UK. The Department for Transport is set to launch a consultation on introducing a mandatory minimum learning period, suggesting either three or six months between passing the theory test and taking the practical exam. This measure targets a substantial reduction in road casualties, with an ambitious goal of cutting deaths and serious injuries by 65% over the next decade, and by 70% for children under 16. Currently, once a learner passes their theory test, they can book a practical test straight away. However, statistics reveal a concerning trend: around a fifth of all deaths or serious injuries from crashes in 2024 involved a young car driver. The government believes this minimum learning period will give new drivers crucial time to develop their skills and gain experience in various driving conditions, including informal practice with parents or guardians. This change would effectively end the practice of some teenagers passing their test just days after their 17th birthday, meaning the youngest qualified drivers would be at least 17 and a half. Evidence from other countries that have similar minimum learning periods suggests they can reduce collisions by up to 32%. It's worth noting that, due to a backlog from the Covid pandemic, many learners already face a six-month wait for a test, a situation expected to continue until late 2027. However, some road safety campaigners argue the proposals don't go far enough. Sharron Huddleston, who tragically lost her 18-year-old daughter Caitlin in a crash, has campaigned for "graduated driving licences" (GDLs) for eight years. While supporting the minimum learning period, she insists that post-test safety precautions, such as restrictions on newly qualified drivers carrying young passengers, are vital. The AA echoed this sentiment, welcoming the proposed learning period but calling the omission of GDLs a "missed opportunity." Beyond the learning period, the government's road safety strategy will also explore other key areas. These include proposals for a lower drink-driving limit in England and Wales, bringing them in line with Scotland, and an even stricter limit for novice drivers, similar to Northern Ireland. Research into headlight glare is also on the agenda. For 21-year-old Alisa Fielder, who crashed her car a year after passing her test, the need for continued learning is clear. "If I had maybe taken some more lessons then I would know that you can't really take that long," she reflected on her accident. Her experience highlights the importance of ongoing development beyond the initial test. Local Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood emphasised that young people, despite making up only 6% of all drivers, are involved in nearly a quarter of fatal and serious collisions. She stated the proposed learning period is "all about supporting young drivers to develop the confidence they need to stay safe and giving them more time to build their skills." Ultimately, the aim is to create safer roads for everyone, starting with our newest drivers. --- Managing your business finances? TaxAce provides smart online accountancy services for UK businesses with flexible monthly plans. Image and reporting: https://www.bbc.co.uk | Read original article