Road safety expert demands new driving licence restrictions for millions of 'inexperienced' drivers

Labour has been urged to introduce tougher rules for learners and newly qualified drivers, warning that current plans do not go far enough to keep young people safe on the roads.

West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster has called on ministers to introduce a full Graduated Driver Licensing scheme, which would place extra requirements on drivers before and after they pass their test.

Labour recently concluded consultations on changes to driving rules, including proposals for minimum learning periods before learners can take their practical test.

However, Mr Foster said stronger action is needed to tackle the high number of crashes involving inexperienced drivers.

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In a formal response to the consultation, the commissioner called for learner drivers to complete a compulsory six-month learning period before they are allowed to sit their driving test.

He also called for learners to complete a set number of supervised driving hours to ensure they gain experience in different weather conditions, traffic situations and road environments.

Mr Foster has also backed the introduction of compulsory online learning modules to improve drivers' understanding of road safety before they qualify for a licence.

The proposals mark similar measures already being introduced in Northern Ireland, where learner drivers must complete a minimum six-month learning period before taking their test.

The commissioner is also calling for restrictions on newly qualified drivers during the first months after passing their driving test.

These could include limits on late-night driving, which is considered one of the highest-risk periods for young and inexperienced motorists.

Mr Foster also suggested restrictions on carrying passengers, particularly other young people, because research shows crash risks increase when inexperienced drivers have passengers of a similar age in the vehicle.

Another proposal involves greater use of vehicle tracking and "black box" technology to encourage safer driving and help reduce dangerous behaviour behind the wheel.

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The measures would focus on the period immediately after drivers pass their test, when they are statistically most likely to be involved in a serious collision.

Mr Foster said: "Too many lives are being lost or changed forever because of serious collisions involving new and inexperienced drivers.

"One in five drivers crashes within a year of passing their test, and young drivers are disproportionately involved in serious and fatal collisions."

The commissioner said stronger protections were needed to help new motorists gain experience safely.

He explained the tougher rules would help reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured on our roads, "protecting young people, their passengers and every road user across our communities".

While Mr Foster welcomed the Government's consultation, calling it a "positive step", he said ministers should go further.

Mr Foster added: "The Government should implement a comprehensive Progressive Graduated Driver Licensing Scheme that reflects the real risks faced by new and inexperienced drivers."

The commissioner's Police and Crime Plan for 2025 to 2029 aims to cut the number of people killed or seriously injured on West Midlands roads by 50 per cent by the end of the decade.

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