Recommendation 11

HM Government · verbatim extract Accepted

We agree with the Committee about the importance of ensuring drivers are equipped to drive at a range of times and in different conditions. The theory test question bank includes questions about night time driving and carrying passengers as well as questions where both these issues are distractions. The hazard perception section of the theory test includes driving at night and in different weather conditions. In addition to the theory test questions, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency ensures that the official education materials available to help learners prepare properly for their theory test include information about driving at night. They also cover other challenging situations, such as driving in bad weather, and while carrying passengers. Learners can access a practise theory test to check their understanding of what they have learnt. The hazard perception preparation resources also cover driving at night and in various weather conditions. The Stationery Office and DVSA have developed the Safe Driving for Life website, which includes information about how newly-qualified drivers can drive safely with passengers. It also explains what action they should take if passengers are causing problems. Another source for everyone from learners to older drivers is The Official DVSA Guide to Better Driving. All these matters are covered, as well as more on the human factors such as stress, mood, health, nerves and mental overload. The National Standards for Driver Training sets out what instructors must know and understand to provide training to learners. This includes how drivers control the risks linked with carrying passengers, driving at different times in different light and weather conditions. The driving theory test is kept under review and content and learning material are revised and updated. In September 2021, DVSA will implement the Future Theory Test Service. New content will be under development but will not be introduced until the new service has had a period to stabilise. Recommendation 7: Given there is some evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of GDL but significant concerns about its impact, particularly from young people themselves, the Department should resume the study into the social and economic consequences of GDL which it committed to in its 2019 Road Safety Statement. This would provide much needed evidence on the likely impacts.