Sky News spotlights Canada’s GDL success and questions UK’s lack of action
- Rebecca Morris
- Apr 29
- 1 min read
Updated: Jul 11
A Sky News report today (April 8, 2025) highlighted international surprise that the UK has yet to implement a Graduated Driving Licensing (GDL) system, despite decades of evidence supporting its effectiveness in reducing young driver crashes.
The report focused on Ontario, Canada, where a GDL system has been in place since 1994. The phased approach includes restrictions on night-time driving, limits on young passengers and a minimum 20-month period before full licensure. Since its introduction, fatalities among 16 to 19-year-old drivers in Ontario have fallen by 83%.
Reporter Dan Whitehead travelled to Ontario specifically to examine the impact of GDL, which has been in place there since 1994. He interviewed a range of key figures, including a Canadian traffic superintendent, the head of Canada’s largest driving school (Young Drivers of Canada), Ontario’s Minister of Transport and Canadian teenagers currently going through the GDL system.
Contributors expressed surprise and concern that the UK has not followed suit. Superintendent Matt Moyer of Toronto Police described the UK Government’s stance as “disingenuous”, while Maria Bagdonas of Young Drivers of Canada said it was “irresponsible” to ignore evidence and delay action.
In response, the UK Government said it was exploring ways to improve road safety for young people, but confirmed that GDL is not currently being considered.Bereaved parents Sharron Huddleston and Dr Ian Greenwood also appeared in a special feature-length Sky News report, speaking with courage and conviction about their urgent calls for GDL in the UK.
