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Is it time to think about Graduated Driving Licences further? 

In 2023, young car drivers were involved in approximately one-fifth of all fatal or serious injury collisions involving cars. 

Young male drivers aged 17 to 24 are four times more likely to be killed or seriously injured in a road traffic collision,  than drivers aged 25 and over.  

Graduated Driving Licences 

‘Graduated driving licences’ could place restrictions on young drivers in an effort to avoid preventable road deaths by imposing measures such as: 

  • A ban on carrying passengers for at least 6 months post driving test; 
  • A restriction on carrying passengers at night; 
  • Zero alcohol tolerances. 

Graduated driving licences are already in place in countries like Germany, Australia, and New Zealand. In addition to the restrictions imposed on newly qualified drivers, these systems introduce a phased approach to gaining full driving privileges. They typically include measures such as passenger limits, curfews, lower alcohol limits, and mandatory experience periods to help reduce risks for inexperienced drivers and improve road safety. 

In November 2024 the UK government announced that it would not be considering such licences but were considering other measures to tackle the issue of road deaths caused by young drivers. 

Recent Parliamentary Debate 

On 28th January 2025, families met in parliament to debate safety issues relating to young drivers, and  to campaign for a Graduated Driving Licence that would apply to new drivers. 

Crystal Owen, whose son and three friends sadly died when their car left a road in North Wales in November 2023, shared her story in parliament, along with other bereaved families. 

RoadPeace, one of the great charities we support, have been campaigning for graduated driving licences for some time.   

The recent inquest into the tragic deaths of Tobias Barraclough and Joe Walsh in October 2023 has again brought to the forefront debate on this issue of Graduated Driving Licences.  Coroner, Mr Fleming, issued what is known as a ‘Prevention of Future Deaths report’ stressing his concern that there will be future tragic deaths of young drivers.  Despite this the Department of Transport said in response that it did not have any plans to change the system.   

As solicitors who represent victims of road deaths involving young drivers we welcome the debate.   

How Oliver & Solicitors Can Help 

At Oliver & Co Solicitors, we assist bereaved families navigate the legal processes of financial support that they may be entitled to during this extremely distressing time, ensuring that the family’s rights are upheld and that they receive the compensation and closure they deserve. We offer our support, understanding and legal knowledge to advocate for the victims of road traffic collisions, and their families. If you are a spouse, civil partner of somebody or parent of a child (under the age of 18) who has sadly passed away as a result of a road traffic collision, you may be entitled to what is known as the ‘Statutory Bereavement Award’. The amount of this award is currently £15,120.00. This financial support is separate to a compensation claim and can be recovered as well as seeking damages by way of a legal claim. 

To speak to one of our dedicated team, contact us today on 01244 312306, email law@oliverandco.co.uk or fill in our Contact Us form and we’ll be in touch as soon as possible.  

For more information on reported road casualties in Great Britain, with particular focus on young drivers, please see: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/reported-road-casualties-great-britain-older-and-younger-driver-factsheets-2023/reported-road-casualties-in-great-britain-younger-driver-factsheet-2023 

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