DfT rules out learner driver restrictions

If you’re a young driver you’ll be pleased to hear that the Department for Transport (DfT) has voted against placing restrictions on young drivers, but will instead look at improving the way people learn to drive and the driving test itself.

Proposals were put forward to place a curfew on when young drivers could be on the road and the amount of passengers they could carry in their vehicle. Other proposals included a graduated driver licensing scheme allowing young drivers more time and practice before being handed a full licence.

Counter productive

But Paul O’Sullivan, the head of road safety at the DfT has said these rules have been deemed counter-productive for young drivers who work or study at night and need to drive to establishments.

He said: “If you ban carrying other passengers among young groups you will get more young drivers on the road. It doesn’t sit with the designated driver schemes or with car sharing, and police enforcement would be difficult.

“The Government is not keen to take liberties away unless there is a very strong case for doing so.”

Mr O’Sullivan said instead the department will improve driving tuition and exams and revamp the Pass Plus scheme, which can help to bring down the cost of car insurance.

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