UK may ban new drivers from driving at night

The UK Government is considering banning new drivers from using roads at night and having passengers in their cars in an attempt to reduce high accident rates.

The Department for Transport (DfT) will launch a two-year road safety action plan that will explore whether licences for newly qualified motorists should be introduced in England.

The announcement comes after data suggests that one-fifth of drivers are involved in a collision in their first year of passing their driving test.

In an attempt to reduce crashes by new drivers, the plan will recommend a minimum learning period, not driving at night, or not driving with passengers that are under a certain age.

UK Road Safety Minister Michael Ellis said: “We have some of the safest roads in the world, but we are always looking at ways to make them safer.

“Getting a driving licence is exciting for young people, but it can also be daunting as you’re allowed to drive on your own for the first time.

“We want to explore in greater detail how graduated driver licensing, or aspects of it can help new drivers to stay safe and reduce the number of people killed or injured on our roads.”

Licensing schemes for newly qualified drivers are already used in New York and California in the US, Ontario and British Columbia in Canada, New South Wales and Victoria in Australia, as well as Sweden.

The UK Government had previously dismissed this plan, saying that it would restrict people from accessing education and employment.

To address these issues, the DfT is considering establishing an evidence database to understand how this scheme might work.

The existing driving laws suspend licences if the drivers accrue six points within the first two years of passing the driving test.

In December 2017, the government changed driving tests to comply with contemporary driving conditions, including adding a satellite navigation section.

Existing rules enable learner drivers to drive on motorways with an approved driving instructor to adjust recently qualified motorists to these roads.

The DfT said that before any modifications to licensing, the government would consult the public.

The UK already has a Pass Plus course for additional training for newly qualified drivers, but this is not mandatory.