More than two in three motorists believe all learner drivers should undergo at least a year of driving lessons before being able to take their driving test.
The support is for 12 months’ minimum learning for all new drivers, regardless of age.
The survey by IAM Roadsmart follows a 2019 government commitment to investigate a form of Graduated Driver Licencing, or GDL.
This could include a minimum 12-month learning period, although no final decisions have been made.
IAM Roadsmart now wants “urgent action” on the issue.
“The government must listen to the concerns of the vast majority of motorists who clearly understand the long-term safety benefits that a 12-month minimum learning period for all new drivers would bring,” said the road safety charity’s policy director, Neil Greig.
“Even the government’s own statistics show that one in five new drivers crash within their first year on the road, so a longer learning period can only help make our roads safer for all road users.”
The charity says evidence presented during a recent House of Commons Transport Committee Inquiry into young and novice drivers further demonstrates the benefits of Graduated Driver Licencing.
A move to GDL would be “a crucial step forward in improving road safety”.
What do you think? Should all new drivers have to undergo a minimum 12-month period of lessons and practice before taking a practical test? Let us know in the comments below
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Yes, I agree that all new learner drivers should take lessons for a year, so that they can feel proper confident with the roads, the road signs, and the vehicle they are driving. driving at different times of the day and night. My niece and nephew somehow passed their driving test, and a year hadn’t even past before their parents bought them cars and they were on the road and had several crashes between them, writing off their cars. I still don’t feel comfortable with their driving to date. They think because they pass first time, that they know it all. It’s like revising for an exam, they do there best to gain the marks they need, then once they get that piece of paper to show their friends, they relax and forget everything. My daughter just passed her theory test, and can’t wait to start her practical driving lessons. I don’t drive a newish car, but she won’t be driving my car until I feel confident in myself that she’s got excellent road sense and enough knowledge with her driving to do so. The car she will be learning in will have a different feel to it.
Yes,I agree that leaner should take some practical lessons for driving and be given written notices by driving schools after completion.I also request that the Dept extend the expiry date line of all leaner`s that expired during lockdown period by at least one year or so.
A complete novice can take 40 – 60 hours of tuition, I also think that once passed test you should be restricted on the size an power output of the vehicle you can drive, for at least 2 – 3 years. I see it regular that 17 / 18 years olds driving round in high performance vehicle that they cannot handle, Revving the bollocks off the vehicle, wheel spinning, playing excessively loud music and has for the sitting position you are suppose to sit up wright at all times, see quite a lot that have there seats lowered and can bearly see them over the steering wheel.