New driving licence proposals could see more restrictions placed on motorists - 'Should be considered'

Speaking in Westminster earlier this week, Future Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood said newly qualified young drivers could face a zero alcohol limit to improve road safety.

At present, the drink-drive limit in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood. This is the highest in Europe, with no other country having a limit above 50mg/100ml.

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Greenwood, who represents Nottingham South for Labour, said the Government could look at international examples to influence policy and legislation in the UK.

She said: "We can... look to international experience. For example, a number of countries have a lower or zero alcohol limit for young drivers, or a minimum learning period."

Graduated Driving Licences are already in place across the world, with systems already in place in New Zealand, Canada, the United States, Australia and Sweden.

Drivers in New Zealand are able to learn the road rules before they turn 16. From here, they can pass their theory test and drive with L plates. They must be under the supervision of someone with a full licence (for more than two years) at all times.

From here, the restricted licence lasts 18 months when they pass their practical test. This means they cannot drive any passengers without a supervisor, as well as being banned from driving between 10pm and 5am.

A full driving licence gives motorists all privileges. If they are over 25 when applying for a full licence, the restricted period is six months, although this can be shortened to three months with an approved advanced driving course certificate.

Research from New Zealand's Transport Department found that drivers who progress from a restricted to a full licence within 2.8 years have better outcomes on the road when compared to those who remain on a restricted licence.

Steve Gooding, director of the RAC Foundation, said: "Quite rightly the minister has one eye on what is happening overseas to see what might usefully be incorporated into her new road safety strategy later this year.

"If the evidence stacks up for a reduction of the drink-drive limit for newly qualified drivers then it should be considered.

"We see a strong case for a minimum learning period, preferably as part of a package that ensures young drivers are given adequate opportunity to practice before taking the practical test and recognises the need for them to continue gaining experience safely thereafter – both need to feature in the Government’s thinking."

Calls for restrictions on young people have been growing in recent years following a number of high-profile cases where a recently qualified driver has been involved in an accident.

Recently, Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Barber said he would meet with the families of three teenage boys killed in a crash in Marcham in Oxfordshire two years ago.

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Daniel Hancock,18, Ethan Goddard, 18, and Elliot Pullen, 17, were killed in a fatal crash in June 2023, prompting the bereaved families to call on the Government to act.

A Department for Transport spokesperson told GB News: "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 considering other measures to tackle this problem and protect young drivers."