A new study by the RAC Foundation takes on the claims that graduated licensing (GDL) can never work here in Blighty.

Instead, the RAC offers key insights into how it could work – if rolled out right.

The idea behind graduated licensing itself is simple: Once qualified, you have restrictions on what you can and can’t do behind the wheel for the first two years of your driving life.

For instance, not being allowed to drive after dark or carry anyone under the age of 20 in your car at night.

Safer drivers, safer roads

The theory is that such restrictions would enable you to build up invaluable experience before being fully let loose on our roads.

The end result? Safer new drivers, less collisions.

“Rather than limiting young people’s life chances, GDL is all about ensuring they can seize them safely … [minor limitations gives new drivers] access to a world of opportunity in the safest possible way for themselves and other road users.”

• Steve Gooding, Director, RAC Foundation

For some safety experts, graduated licensing can’t come soon enough.

After all, official figures show that young drivers (aged 17-24 years old) make up a quarter of all motorists who are seriously injured or killed in a collision – despite young drivers only making up 7% of Britain’s entire driving population.

A law too far?

However, concerns about restricting new drivers have always dogged the GDL issue. Critics argue restricting the times when a new motorist can drive would impact on getting to college/uni, work, social events, and more.

The RAC Foundation decided to explore these criticisms to see if they held water in the real world and in turn, unearthed some fascinating insights that could put the scheme back on table.

The big issues often citied by GDL critics include:

Traveling to work and education

Critics say: “GDL would restrict access to employment and education as new drivers won’t be able to drive at certain times such as after 10pm.”

The RAC Foundation says: “The impact is small. People adapt and exemptions are workable. Young people understand restrictions and see them as inconvenient rather than a major challenge.” Also, the RAC argues that under certain circumstances, exemptions could be made to alleviate any problems.

Harming those who live rural areas

Critics say: “GDL would make life even harder for those living in remote areas.”

The RAC Foundation says: “[There is] some evidence that those in rural areas are no more adversely affected than those in urban areas. Evidence that safety impacts are greater in rural areas, owing to higher risks.” Instead, the RAC suggests more research into how car sharing or on-demand public transport might help deal with any issue.

Enforcing graduated licensing

Critics say: “GDL is hard to monitor and therefore unenforceable.”

The RAC Foundation says: “Evidence shows this is not a problem in other countries. Parents are the main enforcers.” It believes that a deeper understanding of how to get parents involved in early driving is actually the real issue here.

Using telematics instead

Critics say: “Use telematics to track new driver behaviour instead.”

The RAC Foundation says: “There is no evidence that telematics can provide an alternative to GDL.” It believes there simply isn’t enough knowledge about using telematics data for insurance or other elements of early driving.

Getting support from young drivers

Critics say: “There will be a lack of support for GDL from young people.”

The RAC Foundation says: “[The most recent survey by Ipsos MORI] demonstrates greater support (41%) than opposition (32%) among young people.” However, the RAC does say the survey was conducted way back in 2014 and a new study is required to measure current attitudes to GDL.

• For a full breakdown of all the issues, read the full report here.

The road ahead

Ultimately, the RAC Foundation reckons that GDL shouldn’t be dismissed because of the current ‘all or nothing’ approach to the concept.

Instead, the RAC Foundation’s Steve Gooding believes everyone should consider “a menu where even minimal constraints can cut death and injury whilst still being applied proportionately”.

It’s a view echoed by Dr Shaun Helman, chief scientist at Transport Research Laboratory and report contributor, who says: “GDL is a simple, evidence-based approach to licensing that we know reduces risk and, as this work confirms, does not lead to serious reductions in mobility for young people, or problems with enforcement.”

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Main photo by Anthony Fomin on Unsplash