New analysis suggests that almost all UK motorists would help Northern Eire-style Graduated Driver Licensing if it had been launched nationwide.
The survey of 1,501 drivers, commissioned by learner driving insurance coverage consultants, Tempcover, finds that 63% consider the measures would cut back highway crashes general, whereas 41% assume they might reduce collisions involving younger drivers particularly. With one in 5 younger motorists crashing inside a 12 months of passing their check, and greater than 1,500 killed or severely injured yearly, respondents seem to recognise the size of the difficulty.
| Strongly opposed | Considerably opposed | Whole opposed | Impartial | Considerably help | Strongly help | Whole help |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. New drivers can not take their driving check for no less than six months after receiving a provisional licence. | 6% | 16% | 22% | 31% | 23% | 24% | 47% |
| 2. New drivers should full 14 necessary coaching modules, signed off by an permitted driving teacher or supervising driver. | 4% | 19% | 23% | 20% | 28% | 29% | 57% |
| 3. New drivers are required to show an ‘R’ plate on their automobiles for twenty-four months after passing their check (beforehand 12 months). | 4% | 15% | 19% | 28% | 27% | 26% | 53% |
| 4. For the primary six months after passing their check, new drivers beneath 24 might have just one passenger aged 14-20 between 23:00 and 06:00. | 5% | 16% | 21% | 23% | 24% | 32% | 56% |
Structured coaching positive aspects strongest backing
Of the 4 proposed measures examined, necessary coaching modules obtain the best stage of help. A transparent majority favour requiring new drivers to finish 14 structured modules signed off by an permitted driving teacher or supervising driver.
This means that the general public locations important belief in formalised coaching {and professional} oversight as a path to bettering requirements.
Nevertheless, this measure additionally attracts a notable minority of opposition, indicating some concern about further complexity or perceived over-regulation.
Passenger limits and R plates broadly supported
Evening-time passenger restrictions for beneath 24s additionally appeal to sturdy backing, notably amongst those that strongly help the thought. The findings mirror widespread consciousness of the dangers related to peer passengers and late-night driving through the early months after qualification.
Equally, extending the interval throughout which new drivers should show an R plate to 24 months secures majority help. A sizeable impartial response means that whereas the measure is seen as affordable, it will not be considered as transformative in isolation.
Minimal studying interval proves extra divisive
Requiring learners to attend no less than six months earlier than taking their check data the bottom general help of the 4 proposals and the best opposition. Whereas almost half help the thought, a considerable impartial group and over one in 5 opposing it recommend blended emotions about mandating time quite than focusing solely on competence and expertise high quality.
Considerations centre on independence
Though general sentiment is optimistic, some drivers categorical reservations. Round one in 5 fear the principles may improve frustration or prohibit independence, whereas smaller proportions concern they may encourage rule-breaking or discourage younger folks from studying to drive.
Even so, only a few respondents consider the measures would haven’t any impression in any respect.
With Northern Eire set to introduce Graduated Driver Licensing in October 2026, the information signifies that public opinion throughout the UK is broadly receptive to related reforms, notably the place they emphasise structured coaching and focused threat discount quite than blanket delays.
