The risks facing young drivers
1 in 5 drivers crash in the first year after passing their test, and male drivers aged 17 to 24 are four times more likely to be killed or seriously injured than drivers aged 25 or over
Source: THINK!
Drivers who pass their test at age 17 are nearly 50% more likely to be involved in a crash than those who pass at 25 - and their risk is nearly twice as high as those who pass at 60.
Source: RAC Foundation
Yet the risks extend far beyond young drivers and their passengers.
In 2023, 4,959 people were killed or seriously injured in crashes involving at least one younger car driver on Britain's roads.
This included 1,021 passengers of younger drivers, 1,417 younger drivers themselves and 2,521 other road users - including pedestrians, cyclists and occupants of other vehicles.
The risks extend far beyond those in the car, with a devastating ripple effect across families, friendship groups and entire communities.
Source: Department for Transport
Physiological Factors
Brain Development
The prefrontal cortex – responsible for impulse control and decision-making - does not fully mature until the mid-twenties. Combined with an overactive limbic system, which drives emotional responses, this increases the likelihood of risk-taking behind the wheel.
Gender Differences
Young male drivers account for 80% of young driver fatalities and are four times more likely to be killed or seriously injured on the road than drivers aged 25 or older. Factors such as peer pressure and societal influences may contribute to reckless driving behaviours among young men.
Behavioural Factors
Inexperience
One in five drivers of all ages are involved in a road crash within their first year of driving. Young drivers may take risks to overcompensate for their inexperience, leading to poor hazard assessment and increased crash risk.
Risk-Taking
Studies suggest that young drivers, particularly males, may engage in risky behaviours such as speeding or overtaking unsafely, influenced by peer pressure and societal norms.
Passengers
The presence of peer-aged passengers can lead to distraction and pressure to drive dangerously.
Environmental Factors
Night-Time Driving
Crash risk is significantly higher at night due to reduced visibility and increased likelihood of fatigue or risk-taking behaviour.
Road Conditions
Young drivers are less experienced in handling adverse weather, poor road surfaces and high-speed roads like motorways.
Most young driver fatalities occur on rural roads, where higher speed limits, sharp bends, blind spots and reduced monitoring increase risk.
Source: Road safety: young and novice drivers, UK Parliament Transport Committee
Rural Roads
In Great Britain, learner drivers must pass a theory test (including multiple-choice questions and a hazard perception section) and a practical driving test. The practical test also includes in-vehicle safety questions and a period of independent driving.
On average, learners take around 14 months to prepare and typically complete 52 hours of professional instruction before attempting the practical test. The current pass rate stands at approximately 47%.
Once the practical test is passed, new drivers are granted a full driving licence and immediate access to the road network, with the same rights and responsibilities as more experienced drivers. There are currently no graduated or phased restrictions applied to new drivers in Great Britain - in contrast to systems in place in several other countries.
Research and collision data suggest that the current learning and licensing process does not provide sufficient preparation for safe driving in the early months after passing the test.