The UK Could Soon Introduce A Tiered Driving Licence

In an effort to cut the number of collisions involving young and/or inexperienced drivers, the British Prime Minister is looking at a tougher, tiered licence

The UK is to look at the possible benefits of a graduated driving licence system, where newly-qualified drivers will have restrictions placed upon them for a set amount of time.

Theresa May said in parliament that she would “look at” introducing a tiered driving licence. The Prime Minister is also asking the Department for Transport (DfT) to do the same.

Trials in other countries have been a success, reports Auto Express, reducing the amount of accidents involving young and inexperienced drivers. At present one on four young drivers ends up in an accident within two years after passing their tests.

Every year in the UK there are 400 deaths and serious injuries in crashes involving drivers with less than a couple of years on the roads. In Northern Ireland you have to use an R-plate for a year after passing your test, and you’re not allowed to breach 45mph. In Finland the test pass is just a stepping stone, beyond which is more and tougher testing – including night-time driving.

Auto Express cites a 2013 DfT study that found “indisputable” evidence that a tiered driving licence system cuts the numbers of crashes. It suggested a figure of 4471 annual casualties saved, with financial benefits of £224 million thanks to lower demand on the emergency services and NHS.