01/03/2002 Learning to drive consultation published by DTLR
Road
Safety Minister David Jamieson
The Department for Transport, Local Government and Regions (DTLR) has today issued a consultation document setting out ideas for improving how people learn to drive.
This follows on from a commitment given in the Government’s Road Safety Strategy Tomorrow’s Roads – Safer for Everyone that new drivers have a broader and more extensive experience of driving conditions before they take the practical test.Too many drivers attempt the driving test just for the experience before they are at a safe standard.
Announcing the consultation, Road Safety Minister David Jamieson said
“Too many new drivers are being injured on our roads because they are not getting enough experience before they take the driving test. We want to prepare them for their driving career, not just to pass the test. We have therefore set out in a new consultation document a variety of options for improving the safety of newly qualified drivers. We would welcome as many views as possible on these options and any other ideas people have to help us decide the best way forward.”
The minimum age for drivers could be lowered to 16-and-a-half under radical new safety proposals being considered by the Government. Learners would be able to begin learning six months earlier than is currently allowed, but they would also have to take lessons for up to a year.
After passing the test strict new restrictions, including the compulsory display of P-plates for six to 12 months, would apply in a bid to cut road accidents. It is hoped that this would reduce the number of deaths caused by inexperienced drivers by up to 1,000 a year.
18 proposals are being considered in the government's review . The restrictions for new drivers could include:
· Tougher drink-drive rules · Lower speed limits · Limits on night-time driving · Maximum engine size on cars · Compulsory professional tuition for learners and accompanying drivers · Compulsory skid and motorway training · Minimum waiting period for re-tests · Probationary licence code for two years ·
In 2000, 12% of drivers involved in injury accidents were aged 17 – 21 but they accounted for only 7% of licence holders.
All the comments made during the consultation period will be considered carefully before any decisions are taken on which options should be taken forward by the Government.
They are also available from David Peagam Road Safety Division Zone 2/11 DTLR Great Minster House 76 Marsham Street London SW1P 4DR
Tel: 020 7944 2046 Fax: 020 7944 2029 e-mail: roadsafety@dtlr.gov.uk
The consultation document may be viewed on the Department’s web site at www.roads.dtlr.gov.uk/response/newdrive/index.htm
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