<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[Licence to Freedom]]></title><description><![CDATA[Licence to Freedom]]></description><link>https://s5609119.wixsite.com/licence2freedom/feed</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Thu, 17 Sep 2026 07:44:05 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://s5609119.wixsite.com/licence2freedom/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA[Road safety strategy announced ]]></title><description><![CDATA[Older road users may be required to undergo eye tests to retain their driver's licence. The new road safety strategy has been announced for this week, which will require drivers over 70 to take an eye test every three years. The strategy will be released on Wednesday, with plans to improve safety conditions for road users in Britain. In Scotland, there are calls to lower the drink drive limit as well as increase the fine for those not wearing a seatbelt in the car. The measures were announced...]]></description><link>https://s5609119.wixsite.com/licence2freedom/post/road-safety-strategy-announced</link><guid isPermaLink="false">695cdb847831e3f57105baf3</guid><pubDate>Tue, 06 Jan 2026 10:02:55 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/eb080f_a1192136bf8243d3ab61356b4cb85455~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Charlotte </dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Interviewees - what do the young drivers think?]]></title><description><![CDATA[My feature "Licence to Freedom" explores the debate surrounding the Graduated Driver's Licence scheme. I am excited to share more from my interviewees. In the UK, the minimum driving age is 17 -  learners must undergo both a theory and practical examination before being able to use the road. A progressive licensing system would see novice drivers facing a set of rules for a set period of time before having the same privileges that experienced drivers have. With campaigners calling for a ban...]]></description><link>https://s5609119.wixsite.com/licence2freedom/post/interviewees-what-do-the-young-drivers-think</link><guid isPermaLink="false">694304cd6123417009173eb3</guid><pubDate>Fri, 19 Dec 2025 07:00:24 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/eb080f_9dbf8f132b79430cae00119548aa5698~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Charlotte </dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Interviewee - an expert's take on teenage brain development ]]></title><description><![CDATA[As a part of my feature Licence to Freedom, exploring the GDL debate, as well as looking into the risks young drivers face. I spoke with a neurologist about the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and the influence this has on young drivers. Professor Clea Warburton, o f Cognitive Neuroscience at the University of Bristol, specialises in memory of the PFC - the part of the brain which is responsible for decision making, impulse control and memory. Sitting behind the forehead, the PFC, doesnt fully...]]></description><link>https://s5609119.wixsite.com/licence2freedom/post/interviewee-an-expert-s-take-on-teenage-brain-development</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6942bd7408e702ca358645ec</guid><pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2025 15:49:36 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/eb080f_87d567cea7344bd38395b7008d6eed80~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Charlotte </dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The main risks for young drivers]]></title><description><![CDATA[One side of the Graduated Driver's Licence debate is that some feel it unfairly restricts young people. However, campaigners feel that independence should outweigh the high risks facing young new drivers. In 2024, 4,740 people were killed or seriously injured in crashes involving at least one younger car driver on Britain's roads. This included 1,003 passengers of younger drivers, 1,376 young drivers themselves and  2,360 other road users  - including pedestrians, cyclists and occupants of...]]></description><link>https://s5609119.wixsite.com/licence2freedom/post/the-main-risks-for-young-drivers</link><guid isPermaLink="false">692df245bdf3aa731710e56e</guid><pubDate>Fri, 05 Dec 2025 09:00:22 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/eb080f_4efe097379854dca9b7fa9b5306c8b66~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Charlotte </dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The history behind the GDL scheme in the uk]]></title><description><![CDATA[Having been in discussion for several decades, the Graduated Driver's Licence Scheme has resurfaced plenty of times in Parliament for discussion. Despite many campaigns and mounting evidence the scheme has never been implemented in the UK. Over the years, more research suggests that young drivers are at high risk of being involved in car accidents, with 24% of 17-24 year olds making up fatal or serious injury collisions in Britain. Some key factors that make young people at risk include:...]]></description><link>https://s5609119.wixsite.com/licence2freedom/post/the-history-behind-the-gdl-scheme-in-the-uk</link><guid isPermaLink="false">692da957bdf3aa7317103dbe</guid><pubDate>Wed, 03 Dec 2025 15:34:56 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/eb080f_b671fb2968b443aba3c63c752a81cf09~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Charlotte </dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Tessa’s journey through childhood grief losing her dad in a car crash]]></title><description><![CDATA[Tessa Marshall lost her father at just 16 months old. A 21-year-old father embarked on a road trip with his friends to Wales. John was killed in a road crash alongside his best friend in the car. Growing up with no memory of her dad, Tessa felt different from those around her. As a child, hearing stories about her father, she was able to feel a void as she struggled to verbalise how to discuss her journey with grief. Tessa discussed her experience with grief as a child, stating, "I really had...]]></description><link>https://s5609119.wixsite.com/licence2freedom/post/tessa-s-journey-through-childhood-grief</link><guid isPermaLink="false">692c7a79bdf3aa73170d9dd7</guid><pubDate>Sun, 30 Nov 2025 17:20:24 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/eb080f_879f4ae0264c4e458cea7d0e090aa33c~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Charlotte </dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[What really keeps young drivers safe? Advice and insight from a road safety expert. ]]></title><description><![CDATA[For many teenagers up and down the country, passing their driving test is the key to a life of freedom without having to rely on parents for lifts. Whilst it is a major milestone, the second leading cause among young people is car crashes. Safer Essex Roads Partnership feels that one death is one too many. Combining several local authorities and emergency services, they aim to eliminate all deaths and serious injuries on roads across the county. Together, they collaborate on a single delivery...]]></description><link>https://s5609119.wixsite.com/licence2freedom/post/what-really-keeps-young-drivers-safe-advice-and-insight-from-a-road-safety-expert</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6929cf58a20c8b33b2649298</guid><pubDate>Fri, 28 Nov 2025 17:13:47 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/eb080f_14381a95d9854780bd903d9ed5886b6e~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Charlotte </dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why are MPS backing the GDL scheme?]]></title><description><![CDATA[Young drivers are at risk of being involved in road collisions, and MPs are backing Brake's Graduated Driver's Licence campaign. Brake, a road safety charity, aims to end all road crashes and campaigns for "progressive licensing" for newly qualified drivers. This has been recognised by Parliament. Drivers who pass their test at age 17 are nearly 50% more likely to be involved in a crash than those who pass at 25. Their risk is nearly twice as high at that of those who pass at 60. -  RAC...]]></description><link>https://s5609119.wixsite.com/licence2freedom/post/why-are-mps-backing-the-gdl-scheme</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69259db2fbcc173f6ef23f26</guid><category><![CDATA[GDL scheme]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 25 Nov 2025 16:34:17 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/eb080f_6e711b06e06b4e5493fc74a93d39fa37~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Charlotte </dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Road safety week 2025]]></title><description><![CDATA[This week is the UK's biggest road safety campaign, Road Safety Week, a huge talking point in sharing crucial lifesaving advice and advocacy for safe roads for drivers. The nationwide campaign, launched by Brake, a road safety charity, aims to shine a light on the risks facing drivers whilst educating young people, communities and organisations on road-smart driving. Reminding those of the responsibility that lies with being behind the wheel. In 2024, there were a total of 1,671 deaths on UK...]]></description><link>https://s5609119.wixsite.com/licence2freedom/post/road-safety-week-2025</link><guid isPermaLink="false">691cc7b321524100b7a2fd74</guid><pubDate>Wed, 19 Nov 2025 16:04:20 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/eb080f_1104d02691a144118eae8d347890448e~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Charlotte </dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[What is the graduated driving licence scheme?]]></title><description><![CDATA[Currently, in England, there is no Graduated Driver's Licence. At the age of 17, after passing their test, teenagers are able to use the roads just like experienced drivers and face no restrictions. Many campaigners are calling for changes to implement a Graduate Driver's Licence scheme to put in place limitations for those who have recently passed their test for a set period of time. The idea was introduced in the hope of reducing fatalities and serious injuries on the roads, particularly...]]></description><link>https://s5609119.wixsite.com/licence2freedom/post/what-is-a-graduated-driving-licence-scheme</link><guid isPermaLink="false">68fcecb23a45beae4d479cd1</guid><category><![CDATA[GDL scheme]]></category><pubDate>Fri, 31 Oct 2025 21:00:13 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/eb080f_e4f45a770fbd4f8cab6975e36555083c~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_550,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Charlotte </dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why I chose my feature "Licence to freedom"]]></title><description><![CDATA[Licence to Freedom was an idea that came to me after researching what a Graduate Driving Licence scheme is. It ultimately led me to ask the question of what teenage me would say, having passed my driving test, to be met with more restrictions? That was when I looked into statistics on how newly qualified drivers are often involved in car collisions. Finding out that one in five end up in a crash within a year of passing their test was truly eye-opening to me. That was when I decided to talk...]]></description><link>https://s5609119.wixsite.com/licence2freedom/post/why-i-chose-my-feature-licence-to-freedom</link><guid isPermaLink="false">68fce2824cd3f117277b1731</guid><pubDate>Sat, 25 Oct 2025 15:08:40 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/eb080f_815fe1a5aea24905ac78eacb5d66b708~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_915,h_921,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Charlotte </dc:creator></item></channel></rss>