Labour has responded to calls to introduce Graduated Driving Licences for millions of motorists following new rules launched in Northern Ireland.
Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood revealed in a Parliamentary debate that the Government would keep up to date with the progress made in Northern Ireland before deciding on bringing in tougher rules across England.
Graduated licences would require newly qualified drivers to adhere to strict rules in the first few months after passing their test.
This would include limits on people in vehicles, restrictions on driving at night, as well as a lower blood alcohol limit to 20mg/100ml.
Most recently, the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland revealed plans to introduce new driving restrictions for young motorists in October this year.
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins said: “Today I am announcing the most significant reform to driver licensing and testing in almost 70 years. These changes are aimed at young drivers who are sadly most likely to be killed or seriously injured on our roads.
“In 2024, there were 164 casualties (killed or seriously injured) from collisions where a car driver aged 17-23 was responsible. This age group of drivers account for 24 per cent of fatal or serious collisions despite holding just eight per cent of licences.”
The announcement has now sparked calls for the UK Government to commit to similar safety measures, with the Department for Transport urged to look into new restrictions.
Northern Ireland will roll out new driving licence restrictions following increased casualties on the roads
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X/DVLA/PASpeaking in a road safety debate at the House of Commons last week, Ms Greenwood shared: “Graduated Driving Licences vary around the world, as does how they are implemented; there is not one standard type.
“For England, Scotland and Wales, we are consulting on introducing a minimum learning period to ensure that learner drivers get the necessary time and training to prepare themselves for a lifetime of safe driving.”
She explained that the Government needs to strike a balance between protecting young people and impacting their opportunities to get to work, education and social activities.
“We already have a two-year probationary period for all novice drivers once they have passed their test, and we are now seeking views on a lower blood alcohol limit for novice drivers in England and Wales,“ she added.
Young people in Northern Ireland will see new driving licence restrictions imposed later this year | PA
The Transport Minister noted that she was “very aware” of the recent announcement in Northern Ireland, with officials regularly meeting their counterparts in Northern Ireland.
“I have asked them to keep me updated on the progress and on the impact of the measures once they have been implemented,” she said.
The Labour MP for Nottingham South added how, at the other end of the spectrum, drivers aged over 70 account for around 24 per cent of all car drivers killed in 2024.
Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood responded to road safety questions
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PARLIAMENT TVShe said this was why a consultation had been launched on mandatory eye tests, as well as “cognitive testing”.
As well as improving safety, Ms Greenwood said the measures could support families to broach difficult conversations with older relatives who are still driving.
The changes unveiled in the Road Safety Strategy are currently being consulted with Ms Greenwood, encouraging members of the House to respond to proposals.
“We will listen to this feedback, alongside evidence and recommendations from the Transport Committee’s inquiry,” the minister shared.