Millions of young drivers aged 17 to 24 in the UK could soon be subject to new driving licence regulations as part of a major road safety initiative launched by Labour. The Protect Young Drivers campaign debuted at Westminster during Road Safety Week, drawing together MPs, police and fire officials, insurers, educators, researchers, legal experts, campaigners, and bereaved families to address fatal crashes involving young motorists.
Road Safety Minister Lilian Greenwood attended the event, highlighting the government’s commitment to the issue. Currently, young drivers account for 24% of fatal or serious injury collisions in Britain, a stark statistic that underscores the urgent need for change.
Rebecca Morris, who developed the Protect Young Drivers website alongside the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS), described the platform as more than just a resource. “It signifies a new phase in efforts to reduce deaths among young drivers and passengers across the UK, uniting experts from multiple sectors,” she said.
The campaign highlights that crashes involving young drivers also endanger pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users, with almost 5,000 fatalities or serious injuries in 2024 linked to collisions involving young drivers.
Central to the campaign’s proposals is the introduction of Graduated Driving Licensing (GDL) measures, which have proven effective in countries like Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. GDL systems typically enforce restrictions such as prohibiting night driving, limiting the number of passengers of similar age, and requiring extended learning periods before drivers can take their test.
Studies show these measures have dramatic effects: an 83% reduction in deaths among 16 to 19-year-old drivers in Canada since GDL was implemented nationwide, a 55% drop in fatal crashes among probationary drivers in New South Wales after GDL strengthening, and a 23% decrease in injury collisions among 15 to 19-year-olds in New Zealand.
Campaign supporters emphasize that GDL schemes can be tailored to fit the UK’s unique landscape, balancing young drivers’ independence with essential safety protections during their most vulnerable early years on the road.