Improving the Safety of Young Drivers

In this paper ABI details the scale of the young driver problem, analyses the factors behind young drivers’ poor safety record, and sets out a number of proposals which ABI strongly believes will reduce the risk posed by young drivers.

Based on extensive analysis, the ABI recommends the following measures:

• A minimum 12 month learning period before the driving test can be taken, enabling drivers to undertake supervised practice without an incentive to rush to take the practical test.

• A ban on intensive driving courses.

• The lowering of the age at which young people can learn to drive to 16 1⁄2 years.

• The introduction of graduated driver licensing to include a restriction on the number of young passengers that can be carried by a young driver and a restriction on their driving during night-time hours.

• A lowering of the blood alcohol concentration for drivers aged between 17–24.