Tuesday 26th March 2013

Radical new driver laws proposed

'Minimum learning period' suggested as part of driving test overhaul

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New drivers could face a ‘minimum learning period’ of six or 12 months before being allowed to sit their driving test, under new proposals announced by the Transport Secretary yesterday.

New drivers could soon face restrictions

The radical change to the law is just one of a number being suggested by Patrick McLoughlin with the aim of reducing accidents caused by new motorists. Other changes under consideration include incorporating motorway driving into the learning process, banning new drivers from carrying passengers or night driving, or increasing the probationary period during which new drivers can have their licenses revoked if they accrue six or more points.

Mr McLoughlin announced the new proposals at a motor insurance industry summit, and explained that they aim to curb the death rate among younger drivers. “It is alarming that a fifth of people killed or seriously injured on our roads in 2011 were involved in a collision where at least one driver was aged 17-24,” he explained. “Improving the safety of our young drivers is therefore a real priority, and will not only reduce casualties but should also mean a reduction in the sky-high insurance premiums they pay.”

The new proposals, which have been met with a cautious welcome by motorists’ groups, will be detailed officially in a Green Paper, expected to be released within the next few months.

[PascalBuyens]

Someone's been talking to Belgian politicians, I'd say...

[C2james]

if this ever did make it through it would be bloody annoying as im 20 so would have a curfew, do they propose late nights or something?

[y2blade]

I approve

[wab172uk]

How do you police this?

Do they require you to take a driving lesson every week for 12 months?

[MattDell]

This wouldn't be particularly apt for folks like myself, who had driven in America for 10 years and then had to start from the beginning here. I know the steering wheel is on the other side and all, but it doesn't take 6-12 months to get the hang of that!

-Matt

Edit: Though I'm a huge proponent of making motorway driving part of instruction. I was shocked to hear learners couldn't drive on the motorway!

Edited by MattDell on Tuesday 26th March 12:42

[Macd355]

Not everyone learns at the same pace though. I passed my test about two months after starting lessons. perhaps they should just make the driving test more difficult?

[y2blade]

wab172uk said:

How do you police this?

Do they require you to take a driving lesson every week for 12 months?

Smartbox for all young/new drivers please.

[Stew2000]

Would make a bit more sense if it was minimum hours and not months.

[Ex Boy Racer]

Being saying this for a while. I would do the following:

Driving tests every year minimum

No longer a straight pass or fail, but rather a score (A to E, or a percentage) to separate bad drivers from good

Lower insurance rates the better your performance in the test to incentivise doing well

I cannot think of another test for anything where you take it at 17 and it lasts for 70 years without a refresher

[Alex]

No passengers? What about a father accompanying his son and giving guidance?

[cml24]

It's a tricky subject.

Something needs to be done, but all the way up to 24 is quite alarming!

I'm 24, and have driven more miles than both my parents combined, in a larger variety of vehicles, in more diverse conditions and different countries.

Yet, I'd still be under a curfew, despite having fewer accidents than either of them!

Fortunately, i'll be old when this all comes out in any form, so I don't mind now!

[CaptainSensib1e]

Realistically, they just need to make the test a lot harder. I couldn't drive for toffee when I passed my test but was legally allowed to drive. They should definatley also introduce a motorway element to the learning process.

[Liquid Knight]

I think all drivers should spend a minimum of a year and at least 3,000 miles on a 50cc or 125cc bike before they're allowed anywhere near a car on the road. With a more acute hazard awareness from riding bikes youngsters would make much better drivers.

[zebedee]

Macd355 said:

they should just make the driving test more difficult?

This. Make it the IAM test (or equivalent). Taxi firms will reap the rewards too!

[BeirutTaxi]

Does the accident rate include kids on scooters?

I have no idea statisticaly what the accident rate is with them, but I find the road manners of most (but not all) young scooter drivers to be utterly, utterly appalling.

Without statistical data my view is opinion, however.

Edited by BeirutTaxi on Tuesday 26th March 12:49

[trialsta]

Requiring a minimum period is ridiculous, it doesn't take into account previous experience such as moving from another country, transferring from a motorbike or having driven on private property for many years (farmers, amateur racers etc).

If they just make the test more difficult and more realistic then surely that will cover all the bases?

Even when I was the one taking my driving test I thought it was far too easy and had no relation to driving in the real world.

[Crunchy Nutter]

y2blade said:

wab172uk said:

How do you police this?

Do they require you to take a driving lesson every week for 12 months?

Smartbox for all young/new drivers please.

But most young drivers share a car with parents and they probably share a key as well. So how do you let the parents out at night while keeping the kids from doing it? A smart box wouldn't work.

Young drivers should just start concentrating harder and taking driving more seriously. So many kids think driving is a) a right, and b) a hassle that they want over and done with ASAP. Their concentration levels are on the floor and that's one factor behind the high accident rate. I just don't see how legislation can alter that.

[cml24]

I don't think insurance premiums based on teh test would be fair.

I don't think the test is a fair way of figuring out who can drive.

So many times people pass easily, then write off several cars, whilst those who struggle through on the 5th attempt never have an accident.

Re testing sounds good though! Every 3 years maybe?

[Terminator X]

"they aim to curb the death rate among younger drivers. “It is alarming that a fifth of people killed or seriously injured on our roads in 2011 were involved in a collision where at least one driver was aged 17-24".

Find this most annoying, what is it a fifth of ffs! If it's a modest amount imho fk it, people will die regardless of what we do. Spend the money and resources on something else that will make a big difference.

TX.

PS for the record re road deaths:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/jun/30/road-d...

[Crunchy Nutter]

Liquid Knight said:

I think all drivers should spend a minimum of a year and at least 3,000 miles on a 50cc or 125cc bike before they're allowed anywhere near a car on the road. With a more acute hazard awareness from riding bikes youngsters would make much better drivers.

THIS is absolutely right on the money. Couldn't agree more.