Government announces verdict on ‘decreasing’ driving | Tech News
In the UK, most people can start driving on the roads at 17, as long as they possess a provisional driving licence for the suitable vehicle. However, the Government is at the moment reviewing potential modifications to the learner driver framework, and a suggestion to scale back this age requirement to 16 arose.
Conservative MP Peter Bedford enquired whether or not the Secretary of State for Transport had evaluated the doable benefits of decreasing the minimal driving age to 16. The Department’s Parliamentary Under-Secretary offered an uunequivocal response – no.
Lilian Greenwood clarified that this immediate determination was taken with the intention of safeguarding younger lives from early tragedy, owing to the “disproportionate” involvement of younger people in highway visitors collisions. She acknowledged: “The Department is not considering lowering the driving age to 16.
“Every life misplaced on our roads is a tragedy and that’s particularly the case for younger people who’re disproportionately concerned in highway collisions.
“That is why the Road Safety Strategy focuses on improved education for learner drivers. This includes consulting on a Minimum Learning Period before learner drivers can take their practical driving test.
“This would enable learners more time to gain important expertise, for instance in several climate circumstances, earlier than driving independently and cut back the risk to themselves and different drivers.”
Government data has revealed that in 2024, one in five people who were killed or seriously injured in road accidents were involved in a collision with a young driver. The figures also highlighted that men aged between 17 to 24 are four times more likely to be killed or seriously injured compared to all car drivers aged 25 and above.
In the same year, accidents involving at least one younger driver resulted in 4,740 people being killed or seriously injured. In contrast, crashes involving drivers of all other ages led to 19,368 serious injuries or fatalities.
Currently in the UK, the journey to becoming a driver begins with applying for a provisional driving licence at 15 years and nine months, ensuring it arrives by their 17th birthday.
This is typically when they can start learning to drive, although different rules apply for those with disabilities or long-term health conditions. Learner drivers must be accompanied by an appropriate person and display ‘L’ plates on the vehicle.
Before booking their practical test, learner drivers must pass their theory test, which remains valid for two years. Once they have passed the practical test, they are permitted to drive unsupervised on the roads.
The Department for Transport is presently considering the introduction of a minimal ready period between a individual passing their idea take a look at and being eligible to take the sensible take a look at for a normal car licence.
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