Why are MPS backing the GDL scheme?

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 Foundation

With the Government's decision to reject the Graduated Driver's Licence scheme earlier this year, MPs are now calling on the Government to work with Brake to create safe roads for all to travel on.

The Early Day Motion was set up in October to be submitted for debate in the House of Commons.

What is the Early Day Motion?

Created for the purpose of bringing attention and awareness to specific campaigns or events, MPs can advocate for schemes like the GDL to be brought back into debate.

The Early Day Motion has no set date for debate; it is a formal proposal put forward by an MP, which can lead to a discussion in Parliament. This can be rare, but the purpose of an EDM is to raise awareness for a particular campaign and show support for a cause. With the hopes that other MPs recognise the cause.

There is no set requirement for signatures in order for it to be debated, but a greater number of signatures can indicate the level of parliamentary backing for an issue.

What are MPs recognising?

The mounting evidence given by the road charity, Brake, is now prompting the Government to implement changes to improve road safety for all. On average, five people die on UK roads, and a further 82 are seriously injured.

Brake is recommending several modifications, including: reducing default speed limits on roads in built-up areas, progressive licensing (GDL) for young and newly qualified drivers and ensuring that new vehicles include the latest-generation of life-saving vehicle technology.

Short history of the debate in the UK

The concern surrounding young drivers was first introduced in the House of Commons in 1937. Nearly 90 years later, campaigners are highlighting the dangers to beginner drivers.

More recently, the Department for Transport was given the task to investigate the possibility of a GDL scheme in the UK back in 2018 by Prime Minister Theresa May.

At this time, learner drivers were given approval to use motorways in lessons, improving road safety conditions in a post-test environment.

Northern Ireland created the (Road Traffic Amendment Act NI 2016) to make a GDL possible, but the scheme has yet to be launched.

Plans for a GDL were introduced in October 2020 by the Department for Transport, but were later dropped.

In June of 2024, a parliamentary bill, the Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) (New Drivers) bill, was introduced by MP Kim Leadbeater. It was supported by MPs, but it never progressed due to the general election being called.

In January of this year, the scheme was rejected due to fears that young people were unfairly targeted.

Research on the factors surrounding young drivers since it was first discussed has evolved, making it clear that younger drivers are significantly at risk. It continues to divide opinions. Many are still working on campaigns to bring the scheme back to Parliament.