Interviewees - what do the young drivers think?
Updated: Jan 6
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 on peer-aged passengers, a curfew, the mandatory display of P plates, a reduction in the size of an engine that a young person can drive and a minimum learning period.
But what do young learners and drivers think?
Learner driver
Lauren:
I spoke to Lauren Kemp, a 21-year-old learner driver, about how she feels driving would benefit her future. Lauren feels "confident" using the road despite having failed one practical test.
When asked about not being able to carry friends for six months, Lauren would feel "devastated."
"The whole point of passing your test as a young person is going out with your friends.”
Lauren works as a manager in a pub in Essex and looks forward to a future where she is able to give her friends a lift - hoping to celebrate by taking the rite of passage trip to McDonalds drive-through once she passes.
New drivers
Lola:
Lola Mayne passed in September this year and has been able to pick up extra shifts at work as a result of passing - having the independence to be able to see her friends without needing to rely on her parents for a lift has opened many doors for the 18-year-old.
When asked her thoughts on the GDL scheme, Lola replied: "I feel like my freedom would be impacted. It took me a long time to be able to drive and pass my test. It would be a shame for that to happen.”
Lola passed her test on the first attempt at 17 and now enjoys being in charge of the aux - spending many of her journeys listening to her favourite rapper, Travis Scott.
Grace:
Grace had a very different start to driving. Just weeks after passing, a van failed to brake, which led her to be involved in a collision. Despite damage to her car, Grace was okay, but many young drivers aren't as lucky - according to Brake, globally, road traffic crashes are a leading cause of death among young people, according to Brake.
“I enjoy driving on my own; it has been a freeing experience so far, except for my minor collision a month into driving, which frightened me a bit," Grace said.
Due to inexperience and visibility issues, young drivers are likely to end up in a collision with - the peak hours being midnight and 3 - 4 am in the week, through to 5 - 6 am at the weekend.
Grace feels: "more comfortable driving roads that I know rather than new places. I don’t usually drive at night, and when I do, it’s only short journeys. If I were to drive further in the dark, I think I would be more intimidated because drivers aren’t as aware as in daylight situations.”
Albert:
In just four months, Albert Pledger passed his driving test at the age of 17 - despite pushing back his test, he now describes driving as "second nature."
“It was such a good feeling passing my test. I felt like I hadn’t done well. It felt like everything was going wrong. I had people pull out on me. I was excited," says Albert.
Early on in his teenage years, Albert was reluctant to drive, but with support from his family, he took up driving lessons to gain more independence.
“The first time I went out driving on my own, it felt weird that I was the one in sole control of the car. “
To keep insurance costs down, Albert has a black box - a way insurance companies can keep costs down to ensure drivers aren't speeding or engaging in risky behaviour. This restricts Albert from using his car late in the evening, which he feels is "restrictive."
“My black box for sure makes me feel like I drive safely, but I do feel restricted because I can’t drive at night due to the cost of insurance. I’m not a fan of my black box, but I’m sucking it up.”
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