What is Graduated Driving Licensing?
What is GDL – and how can it help?
GDL offers a phased approach to licensing that helps to protect young drivers during their most vulnerable months on the road.
A safer start for new drivers
Graduated Driving Licensing (GDL) is a step-by-step system that helps young, inexperienced drivers build confidence and skills gradually.
It’s designed to support newly qualified drivers during the first few months after passing their test - the time when they’re at the highest risk of being involved in a serious crash.
GDL takes a different approach
Used in countries including Australia, New Zealand, Canada and across the USA, GDL introduces targeted measures to reduce the risks while allowing driving experience to develop safely.
These measures often include:
No driving late at night
Limits on carrying same-age passengers
Minimum learning periods before taking the test
These measures are short-term, evidence-based and proven to work. Countries with GDL have reduced fatal and serious crashes involving new drivers by 20-40%.
Many professions introduce responsibility gradually. Pilots, doctors and electricians all undergo structured training before working independently. Driving should be no different. GDL helps new drivers build confidence and develop skills in safer conditions before taking on more challenging situations.
In Great Britain, the case for GDL has been discussed for decades, backed by police and fire chiefs, coroners, academics, surgeons, road safety experts and bereaved families. However, the Government has said it is "not considering Graduated Driving Licensing."
Campaigners argue that GDL is not a ‘one-size-fits-all’ model. It can be tailored to the UK’s needs - ensuring young people can still learn to drive and gain independence, while reducing the risk of crashes during the most dangerous period of their driving lives.