The graduated driving licence (GDL) scheme was proposed for new and young drivers in the UK but what exactly is it and why was it scrapped?
Being a newer driver isn’t always easy so, with that in mind, we’ll look into the intricacies of the graduated driving licence scheme and find out why campaigners are trying to get it pushed through Parliament again.
What does the graduate driving licence scheme mean for young drivers?
Originally established as a Northern Irish pilot scheme in 2018, the graduated driving licence scheme was set to be rolled out the year after but was scrapped in 2020 by The Department for Transport.
The intent was to restrict drivers who have recently passed their driving test for a period of time.
These restrictions were set to include:
- Not getting a full licence immediately
- Speed and passenger limits
- Mandatory ‘P’ plates
- Requiring supervision while driving at first
- Limitations on engine size
- Driving curfews
Why was the graduate driving licence scheme scrapped in the UK?
These restrictions were initially thought of with safety in mind, giving new drivers a grace period while they were still getting used to driving but many brought up the issues that would come from the scheme too.
A graduate driving scheme would potentially make life harder for younger drivers who need flexible driving hours, like night shift workers and young carers. It would also be problematic for those who need to drive specifically for their jobs, like delivery nurses and community nurses.
The government then decided to focus on the structure of driving lessons to allow for stronger tuition.
Are graduate driving licence schemes popular?
Though not all the same, other countries do have similar types of graduate driving schemes. These countries include Australia, New Zealand and even the US.
Closer to us, new drivers in the Republic of Ireland have a two-year probationary period where they have lower drink-drive limits and ‘N’ plates are mandatory.
Why are campaigners pushing for the graduate driving licence scheme to be reintroduced?
Despite the obvious flaws, the scheme has some cross-party support. It also has backing from the AA who claim the restrictions could lead to fewer preventable road accidents.
According to GOV.UK, “Young male car drivers aged 17 to 24 are four times as likely to be killed or seriously injured compared with all car drivers”.
Road safety charity, Brake, has recorded that one in five young drivers crash within a year of passing their driving tests and 1,500+ younger drivers are tragically killed or seriously injured every year in the UK.
It is statistics like these that have several MPs and organisations calling for the government to focus on road safety amongst new drivers, with many of them highlighting a graduate scheme as a viable solution.
Will there be a graduate driving licence scheme anytime soon?
In May of 2024, MP Kim Leadbeater was successful in introducing her ‘Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) (New Drivers) Bill’, with no opposition when it was presented in parliament.
This legislation will mean that freshly qualified drivers in the UK will be restricted for the first six months of their time on the road. Some of the restrictions will include limiting the amount of passengers allowed in a new driver’s vehicle and a zero alcohol limit.
Getting insurance as a young driver
Whether you’re preparing for your practical driving test or just ripped up your ‘L’ plates, part of being a responsible driver is being insured. Sterling skips the fuss, helping you find the right young driver insurance policy for you.
Call 0344 381 9990 for a swift no-hassle quote or request a callback at a time that suits you.
