Source · Select Committees · Transport Committee
Recommendation 12
12
Paragraph: 88
Given there is some evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of GDL but significant concerns about its...
Conclusion
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.
Paragraph Reference:
88
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
Whilst the Department for Transport acknowledges the Select Committee’s recommendation on continuing research into Graduated Driver Licensing, the Department will not be commissioning any research into the social and economic consequences of GDL. Evidence has been submitted on Graduated Driver Licensing by the Department as well as during the oral session with Baroness Vere. We remain of the opinion that statistics from other countries who use a form of licensing restrictions show that it is not comparable nor necessary in the United Kingdom at this time for young and novice drivers. We are also conscious that any move to place any form of restrictions on young and novice drivers would be detrimental to their education and employment prospects, as well as the potential to negatively affect their social and mental health during the national recovery from COVID. These effects would also be felt more severely in rural or socio-economically challenged areas in the United Kingdom. To this end, the Department for Transport has no plans to conduct research on or implement any form of a Graduated Driving License at this time.