Government considers revisiting GDL
Recent media reports suggest that the Government is once again to consider the introduction of graduated driver licensing, two-and-a-half years after last distancing itself from the system. GDL is a scheme which places restrictions on new drivers, such as not being able to drive at night – or not driving with passengers under a certain age in the car. Its introduction has long been debated by the Government – most recently in 2020, following an inquiry by the Transport Committee. At the time, the Government said it was not progressing work on GDL.
However, a report in The Sunday Times on 23 April says transport minister Richard Holden will consider GDL with road safety campaigners at a meeting on 16 May. It notes the scheme could be implemented via the Road Traffic (New Drivers) Act, which imposes a probation period on new drivers who get their licence revoked if they get six penalty points within two years of passing.
Under the plan, drivers would not be allowed to carry passengers under 25 years-old in the first year or six months after passing their test.
