Road Safety Minister praises Caitlin's Campaign
It comes as the Government looks at plans for a Graduated Driving Licence
Last updated 2nd Sep 2019
The Road Safety Minister's told us that Caitlin's Campaign is one of the reasons the Government's now looking at plans for a Graduated Driving Licence.
18.year-old Caitlin Huddleston was killed in a crash in Cumbria caused by inexperience behind the wheel.
We've teamed up with her mum Sharron to campaign for the driving test to be updated to give young people more time to learn.
LISTEN: Road Safety Minister Michael Ellis talks to our Chief Reporter and Campaigner Michelle Livesey about the plans as well as Caitlin's Campaign:
The Government will commit in its Road Safety Action Plan, to explore further whether graduated drivers’ licences – or a similar scheme – should be introduced in England.
These schemes could put restrictions on new drivers, such as a minimum learning period, not driving at night, or not driving with passengers under a certain age in the car.
One in five new drivers crashes within their first year on the road, and so any changes would be designed to help reduce this number and improve road safety
Graduated licensing schemes already operate in New Zealand; New South Wales and Victoria in Australia; New York and California in the USA; Ontario and British Columbia in Canada and in Sweden.
Previously these schemes have been rejected due to concerns that it would adversely affect the ability of young people to get on in life – potentially restricting education and jobs.
However, conducting further research means the Department for Transport can build an evidence base to fully understand how Graduated Driver might work.
Currently new drivers have their licences revoked if they accumulate six points within the first two years – equivalent to points for using a handheld mobile phone while driving or two speeding offences.
The government changed the driving test in December 2017 to reflect modern-world driving conditions and including a satellite navigation section.
Learner drivers are also allowed to travel on motorways with an approved driving instructor to acclimatise new drivers to these roads.
Motorcyclists in the UK have a similar scheme to graduated driver licensing as young bikers are restricted to less powerful bikes.
Any changes to licensing will be consulted on before being introduced