18/07/2019
The Department for Transport (DfT) have announced plans for a graduated licence system, which would prevent novice drivers in England, Scotland and Wales from driving at night.
The DfT have also said the system may feature restrictions such as not being permitted to drive with passengers under a certain age and an imposition of a minimum learning period.
Whilst it is good that Ministers will consider what steps might be introduced to reduce the number of accidents involving younger drivers, these plans seem a bit excessive.
I could see merit in requiring new drivers to pass an additional test prior to being permitted to drive, without the accompaniment of a more experienced qualified driver, at night. This is in a similar manner to the additional test required for new drivers to be permitted to drive larger vehicles (lorries) and to tow trailers and caravans.
The idea that younger drivers who have recently passed their driving tests should not be allowed to carry younger passengers seems more ridiculous. Is this to prevent young parents from transporting their children to and from school, play dates and medical appointments?
This sounds like an appalling restriction on the civil liberties of new young drivers.
Youngsters are currently hit with quite ridiculous insurance premiums and already seem to be forced to undertake many, many more lessons by their instructors than was the case when I learned to drive. The test is more demanding than ever, so young drivers today are better trained and tested than ever before.
At the same time, cars are safer than they have ever been.
Whilst considering options for further improvement should always be considered, they should not, in my opinion, lead to drastic changes in the freedoms of our youth.
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