Frequently asked questions
Here you will find many of the frequently asked questions about young driver risk and Graduated Driving Licensing (GDL).
Young and newly qualified drivers are overrepresented in crash statistics due to a combination of inexperience, risk-taking behaviour, and higher exposure to dangerous driving conditions. Research shows that one in four newly qualified drivers is involved in a collision within their first two years of driving.
Lack of real-world experience means new drivers are less able to anticipate hazards, judge speed and distance accurately, and react quickly in high-risk situations. Factors such as peer influence, night driving, and distractions further increase their crash risk.
Experience plays a critical role in safe decision-making behind the wheel. Studies show that young drivers are more likely to misjudge situations, overestimate their abilities and struggle with hazard perception - spotting and responding to dangers on the road.
Because of this, crash risk is highest in the first six months after passing a driving test, before drivers gain confidence and competence. Structured training, supervised practice and post-test learning can help reduce these risks.
Night driving presents additional risks for young drivers due to reduced visibility, fatigue, and an increased likelihood of encountering impaired or speeding road users.
Young drivers are far more likely to be involved in a fatal crash at night than during the day. This is why some countries with Graduated Driving Licensing (GDL) systems restrict unsupervised night-time driving for newly qualified drivers.
Having same-age passengers in the car dramatically increases crash risk for young drivers. Driving a car full of passengers of a similar age increases the risk of a fatal collision for newly-qualified drivers by four times, compared to driving alone.
Peer passengers can be distracting, encouraging risky behaviours like speeding, showing off or taking unnecessary risks. Some countries limit the number of passengers a young driver can carry in the first months after passing their test to reduce this danger.
Yes. Young drivers are more likely to use a mobile phone while driving. Texting or using a mobile phone while driving increases crash risk by at least four times - and for new drivers, the impact is even greater due to their lack of experience in handling complex traffic situations.
Using a phone affects reaction time, lane control and awareness of surrounding vehicles and hazards.
Speeding is a major factor in young driver fatalities. Inexperience means young drivers often struggle to judge safe speeds, especially in changing conditions such as wet roads or at night.
Excess speed increases stopping distance and crash severity, reducing a driver’s ability to react to hazards. Many young driver crashes involve losing control on bends or failing to stop in time at junctions. Safe speed awareness training can help tackle this risk.Although older drivers are overrepresented in deaths following a road crash, this is mostly due to increased fragility. Young drivers aged between 17 and 24 remain the highest road casualty age group.
Those learning to drive at age 17 have a crash involvement rate which is almost 50% higher than those learning at age 25, and around double the level of those learning to drive at age 60.Males aged 17 to 24 are 4 times as likely to be killed or seriously injured while driving compared with all car drivers aged 25 or over.
(Source: RAC Foundation)Graduated Driving Licensing (GDL), sometimes known as Progressive Driving Licensing, is a step-by-step approach that helps new drivers gain experience in safer conditions before earning full driving privileges.
Instead of allowing newly qualified drivers unrestricted access to all roads and situations immediately, GDL introduces driving in stages. Many systems include measures such as limiting same-age passengers and reducing night-time driving during the early months, when crash risk is highest.
Various forms of GDL have been in place in countries including Canada, Australia, New Zealand and many U.S. states for many years. Read more on this here.
Graduated Driving Licensing (GDL) isn’t about penalising young people - giving them the best possible start, helping them build skills gradually, and reducing the likelihood of serious crashes.
The reality is that newly qualified drivers face the highest risk of crashing in their first few months on the road. GDL helps them gain experience in a way that reduces risk, rather than throwing them into all driving situations immediately.
Many professions have a structured learning period - pilots, doctors, and even electricians, don’t get full responsibility straight away. Driving is no different. GDL ensures that new drivers build confidence and skills in safer conditions before taking on more challenging driving situations. Far from being a punishment, it’s a proven way to protect young drivers and those around them.
No - GDL is about ensuring young drivers gain experience in safer conditions, not about taking away their freedom. Driving is a privilege, not a right, and with that privilege comes responsibility.
Newly qualified drivers face the highest crash risk in their first few months on the road, and GDL is designed to help them build skills and confidence before taking on more challenging driving situations.
Many life stages involve gradual progression - whether it’s learning a profession, training in a sport, or gaining independence in other areas. GDL follows the same principle, giving young drivers the best possible start while reducing the risk of serious crashes.
GDL programmes are designed to be practical and realistic, not to prevent young people from working or taking part in essential activities. In many countries where GDL is in place, exemptions exist for young drivers who need to drive at night for work, education or other necessary reasons.
Data shows that newly qualified drivers are far more likely to be involved in serious crashes at night, particularly when carrying same-age passengers. By gaining experience in lower-risk conditions first, young drivers can build confidence and skills before taking on more challenging driving situations.GDL is designed to improve safety, not limit opportunities. In countries where GDL is in place, schemes are often flexible and include exemptions for young people who need to drive at night for work, education, or essential travel. The aim is not to stop young drivers from getting where they need to go, but to reduce risk in the highest-risk situations.
Rural roads can be particularly dangerous for new drivers due to higher speeds, sharp bends and fewer streetlights. Young drivers in these areas stand to benefit the most from a system that helps them gain experience gradually, ensuring they are better prepared for challenging driving conditions.No, GDL is not about preventing young parents from driving with their children. In countries where GDL is in place, these programmes focus on the highest-risk situations, such as carrying multiple same-age passengers or driving late at night – factors linked to increased crash risk. There is no evidence to suggest that GDL stops young parents from safely transporting their children.
The aim of GDL is to help all young drivers, including those with children, gain experience in safer conditions so they can become more confident and capable drivers. A system that reduces the risk of crashes benefits everyone, especially young families.No, GDL does not ban young drivers from driving. It simply introduces driving in stages, allowing new drivers to build experience in lower-risk situations before taking on more challenging conditions.
The media often use words like "ban" or "restriction," but in reality, GDL is a supportive approach that helps young drivers develop their skills safely. Many professions, from pilots to doctors, follow a structured learning period before gaining full responsibility - driving should be no different. GDL is about giving young drivers the best possible start, not stopping them from driving.There is now a growing, united community of voices calling for Graduated Driving Licensing (GDL) to be introduced in Great Britain to reduce collisions involving young drivers.
Supporters include:
✅ Road safety charities – Organisations including PACTS, the RAC Foundation and Brake, the road safety charity, advocate for GDL as a proven way to save lives.
✅ Police and emergency services – The National Police Chiefs' Council, National Fire Chiefs' Council and the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners all support the introduction of a form of GDL.
✅ Motoring organisations – Groups such as the RAC and AA have highlighted the benefits of GDL in improving road safety.
✅ Academics and researchers – Studies worldwide show that GDL reduces fatal and serious crashes by 20 - 40%.
✅ Politicians and policymakers – Many MPs and Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) are calling for GDL to be introduced in Britain.
GDL has been successfully implemented in other countries like Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and many US states, where it has significantly reduced the number of young driver crashes. There is no reason it could not work in Britain too.