Experts have backed calls for sweeping new driving licence restrictions to be introduced in a bid to improve safety on roads across the country.
Graduated Driving Licences have become far more popular in recent years after their use in other countries, with research showing that rates of deaths and serious injuries drop.
The restrictions include nighttime driving curfews, a ban on carrying same-age passengers and even a minimum learning period for younger motorists.
Road safety experts from GEM Motoring Assist have called for the GDL system to be introduced in the UK for young motorists in a move that would benefit all road users.
Drivers between the ages of 17 and 24 account for one-fifth of road deaths, despite making up just seven per cent of all licence holders across the UK.
GEM suggested that inexperience, distraction and overconfidence were some of the main factors leading to young drivers being involved in accidents.
As part of the new Road Safety Strategy, the Government consulted on introducing a minimum learning period for learner drivers.
However, the Department for Transport has ruled out launching Graduated Driving Licences, although it noted that the Government was taking steps to improve road safety.
Experts have called for Graduated Driving Licences to be introduced in the interests of road safety
| GETTYJames Luckhurst, head of road safety at GEM, said: "We do many things well in the UK, particularly in driver training, but the current system offers too little structured support once someone passes the test. That’s where the real risk begins.
"The choice is simple: continue with a system we know is failing too many young people, or take proven steps that will save lives.
"Doing nothing is not a neutral position - it is a decision with consequences... and Young Driver Focus offers a chance to translate the latest insight into real-world action."
GEM Motoring Assist is the headline sponsor of Young Driver Focus 2026, which will take place at the RAC Club in London today.
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The driving licence rules would have a massive impact on younger motorists
| PAThe experts highlighted how international research shows crash reductions of between 20 per cent and 40 per cent where Graduated Driving Licences are improved.
In some regions across Canada where the measures are enshrined in law, reductions in young driver deaths have exceeded a staggering 80 per cent.
A Department for Transport spokesperson said: "Every death on our roads is a tragedy and our thoughts remain with the families of everyone who has lost a loved one in this way.
"Whilst we are not considering Graduated Driving Licences, we absolutely recognise that young people are disproportionately victims of tragic incidents on our roads, and we are exploring options to tackle the root causes of this without unfairly penalising young drivers."
Minister Liz Kimmins alongside students at Erne Integrated College in Enniskillen, who learnt about Graduated Driver Licences | DEPARTMENT FOR INFRASTRUCTUREDespite this, new driving licence rules will be introduced in Northern Ireland in October to launch a Graduated Driving Licence scheme.
The road safety scheme is being introduced after 164 people were killed or seriously injured in road traffic collisions where a car driver aged between 17 and 23 was responsible.
Experts highlighted how young drivers accounted for 24 per cent of fatal or serious collisions, despite holding just eight per cent of licences.
The Department for Infrastructure confirmed the measures through the new Road Safety Strategy Action Plan, which has been developed alongside the emergency services and other agencies.