Drivers are being warned over potential new rules that could be imposed on them, in a bid to make UK roads safer.
Motorists across the country were recently told that a variety of inexperienced drivers are an “extremely high risk”. This applies for new drivers of any age, as highlighted by AA in its new calls to the government.
The AA wants further restrictions to be imposed on drivers under the age of 21 to be subjected to a Graduated Driving Licence (GDL) scheme. This policy would mean that new drivers would be held to a number of restrictions which are intended to reduce risks on the road.
One of the rules suggested would disallow new drivers from having someone a similar age to them be a passenger for at least six months after the full licence has been obtained. MP Kim Landbeater first suggested the rules in Parliament earlier this year through the Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) (New Drivers) Bill.
The bill suggested a number of further restrictions for new drivers in the first six months of passing their test, such as a zero-alcohol limit. “The Bill is not about taking away young people’s freedom or fun,” MP Leadbetter told the Commons.
“It is about trying to save their lives. By giving them the opportunity to build their experience and confidence during the first six months of driving after passing their test, we can try to ensure they have a happy lifetime of driving and the future that they deserve.”
The bill also suggests that the teaching process for learner drivers is expanded, such as gathering experience on rural roads and motorways as part of the official UK driving test. The Association of British Insurers also advocated in favour of the bill, however, they stated that the age limit should actually be pushed higher to under 25s, instead of just under 21s.