top of page

The history of young driver risk

Concerns about the high crash rates among young, novice drivers in the UK date back to the 1930s. Despite decades of discussion, meaningful action has yet to be taken.

Girls in driving looking at phone

1937

First time young driver risk mentioned

First mention on record of concerns about young driver risk. Reginald Sorenson MP, raised the issue of “accidents in which young drivers are involved” in the House of Commons in 1937, stating that “a young driver of 17 has not had the experience.”

1987

Graduated Driving Licensing (GDL) introduced in New Zealand

The country became the first in the world to introduce a GDL system - a three-stage system that applied to all new drivers aged 15-24 years was introduced.

1993

Graduated Driving Licensing raised for first time in Parliament

Newly Qualified Drivers Bill in the House of Commons - Lady Olga Maitland MP said: “We should really be discussing the introduction of a suitable restriction such as 45 mph speed limit, or - as in New Zealand - a ban on carrying passengers so that teenagers do not show off, or not allowing driving at night.”

1995

Introduction of the six points policy for new drivers

Licences are revoked if drivers get six or more penalty points within two years of passing their test.

2014

Young Drivers Safety debate, House of Commons

Then-Roads Minister Robert Goodwill acknowledged the strong evidence supporting Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) but stressed the need to balance its benefits with young people's freedom.

2021

Transport Committee calls for stronger measures

In March 2021, the House of Commons Transport Committee published a report on young and novice drivers, highlighting the disproportionate risks they face and called for stronger measures, including exploring Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) and other interventions to improve road safety.

2021

Government acknowledges the risks

In May 2021, the Government’s response to the Transport Committee’s report on young and novice drivers acknowledged the risks but stopped short of committing to Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL), instead opting to explore alternative road safety interventions.

2024

Bill presented to the House of Commons

In May 2024, Kim Leadbeater MP presented a Ten Minute Rule Bill in the House of Commons on Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) (New Drivers) - The Bill was unopposed. It was scheduled for a second reading on 17 May 2024. However, it did not progress beyond the first reading.

2024

Government says it is "not considering GDL"

The Government issued a statement saying: “Whilst we are not considering graduated driving licences, we absolutely recognise that young people are disproportionately victims of tragic incidents on our roads, and we are considering other measures to tackle this problem and protect young drivers. That’s why we are committed to delivering a new road safety strategy – the first in over a decade – and will set out next steps on this in due course.”

2025

Government to explore alternative solutions

Julia Buckley MP led a Westminster Hall debate on young driver safety, highlighting the death of Crystal Owen’s son, Harvey, and Forget-me-not Families Uniting’s campaign for GDL. Minister Lilian Greenwood said again: We are not considering graduated driving licences,” but stated the Government is exploring alternative solutions.

With thanks to Dr Ian Greenwood, whose thesis ‘The Politics of Road Death: Critical Discourse Analysis of Road Safety Policy in Britain, 1987–2021’ informed the development of this timeline

Learn more

What are the risks facing young drivers?
What is Graduated Driving Licensing (GDL)?
How are countries using GDL to save lives?

Join our mailing list and be part of the change

Subscribe to our newsletter
bottom of page