Graduated licence

The government are considering bringing in graduated licences for new drivers to help reduce the number of incidents on the roads and increase road safety. Some of the potential plans may include minimum periods for learning to drive, not driving at night and not driving with passengers under a certain age.

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.

Talks have considered if this graduated licence would work or if it would adversely affect drivers ability to get on in life, such as to get to work or college. 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.

Any changes to licensing will be consulted on before any changes are made.