Why 90 per cent of drivers want UK licensing tests changed
In an attempt to reduce Britain's road toll, drivers are calling for drastic changes to the driver licensing scheme
AN OVERWHELMING number of British drivers are calling for an overhaul of the nation's licensing scheme.
In a recent survey of more than 1000 road users, a monopolising 90 per cent claimed the UK's driving test is no longer suitable, and should be replaced by a graduated licensing scheme.
A graduated driver licensing (GDL) scheme sets out a progressive plan that allows new drivers to develop their skills over a set length of time, adding vital experience before learners progress to a full license.
Suggestion of the new system is based around attempts to reduce the road toll among new drivers, and make the UK's roads safer for all users.
“Where versions of GDL are already in place, the reduction in young and novice driver collisions has been remarkable,” GEM Motoring Assist road safety officer Neil Worth said.
“For example, research from TRL shows that 16-year-old drivers in the USA who learnt to drive through GDL systems 15 years ago had 37 per cent fewer crashes than those who followed other systems.
“Elsewhere, following the introduction of GDL in New Zealand, injuries from road traffic collisions reduced by almost a quarter for 15- to 19-year olds.”
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As a result of their conclusive survey results, GEM claim that a GDL system should be introduced across the UK, featuring a minimum 12-month learning period prior to taking a practical test, a night-time curfew for new drivers and automatic disqualification for any driving offence.
Under GEM's recommendations, new drivers would hold "novice" status for two years, during which time they should be banned from carrying passengers under the age of 25.
“GEM members are holding the Government to account for failing to prioritise young driver safety, and for wasting lives and money," Worth said.
"We believe that GDL, if it goes hand in hand with improvements to pubic transport across the country, could form a key part of a safer and more sustainable transport future for everyone.”
Under the current system, new drivers are able to get behind the wheel with a provisional license after their 17th birthday, and can progress to a full license once they are deemed ready by their driving instructor, and have passed a practical driving test.
With no set period between getting a provisional and full license, a number of the UK's newer drivers are allowed out on the road with little driving experience.
Regardless of a driver's ability behind the wheel, a lack of experience can quickly lead to an accident as a result of poor decision-making.