New drivers face new and tougher rules as the AA calls on the government to make changes in a bid to make Britain’s roads safer.

The AA wants those in charge to implement a graded driving license (GDL) scheme for under-21s – a system designed to reduce road risks by imposing specific limitations on new drivers. Among the plans is a ban on young new drivers having passengers of a similar age in the passenger seat within the first six months of getting their licence.

Kim Leadbeater MP introduced these concepts to Parliament with the Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) (New Drivers) Bill earlier this year, introducing a number of restrictive measures for the first six months post-test, including a leniency policy zero on alcohol limits. . “The bill is not about taking away freedom or fun from young people,” she insisted to the Commons.

“It’s about trying to save their lives. By giving them the opportunity to build their experience and confidence in the first six months of driving after passing their test, we can try to ensure they have a happy driving life and a future to drive. deserve.”

The bill also proposes to extend the learning process for trainee drivers to include gaining experience on country roads and motorways as part of the official UK driving test. The Association of British Insurers also expressed support for the bill, but suggested that the age limit should be raised further to include those under 25 rather than just under 21.

Under current legislation, there are no separate rules for new and/or young drivers. However, all new drivers are automatically under a two-year probationary period, during which time if they get six points or more, their license will be revoked.

The RAC has previously backed the potential new rules, with RAC road safety spokesman Simon Williams saying: “Young people, and young men in particular, continue to be massively over-represented in road collision statistics, thus introducing restrictions that are gradually being reduced in the first few minutes. years of driving may be one of the measures needed to reduce the appalling numbers.

“It is important that any graduated driving license system does not disadvantage young people who depend on their cars for work, so a balance needs to be struck between getting new drivers the mobility they need while keeping them as safe as possible.

“The introduction of a minimum learning period or number of learning hours should be the least of what is implemented. We believe there could also be advantages in limiting the number of people young drivers are allowed to carry at certain times – most importantly at night – as well as setting a stricter or even zero limit on fuel consumption. alcohol”.

He also discussed making new driver’s plates mandatory, as well as considering technology to help insurance companies monitor driver behavior.