Web chat with Dr Stephen Ladyman MP

Young Drivers

Posted by Tom Mullarkey on November 9th 2006

One way of helping new drivers to gain much more, and more varied, driving experience while they are learning would be to encourage, or even better, require learners to complete a driving log book to show they have received a substantial number of hours of driving in a range of different situations. What are your views on this?

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Young drivers

Posted by Dr Stephen Ladyman on 09/11/2006 - 16:59

But how many of them are within one year of their test? If the bulk of the serious cases are in their second year of driving then a probation that only lasted one year would be no good. Also if they are over 18 then suggestions that we should raise the driving age may not be as effective as we would hope. That is why I want more detailed evidence and the insurance industry has evidence in this detail that we can use to plan our strategy.

Last but not least, you say 3000 a year KSIs between 17 and 25 but I would guess that there are 4million drivers in this age group so new measures that imp

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Young Drivers

Posted by Tom Mullarkey on 09/11/2006 - 16:46

If we need evidence, surely the fact that nearly 3,000 17-25 year olds die or suffer serious injuries on the roads each year provides ample evidence? It may only be a small proportion of new drivers but the impact on these young people and their families and friends is disastrous. All we're really looking for is a way to put more of a focus on this issue to try to reduce fatalities and serious injuries. Surely logbooks would get their attention?

Young drivers

Posted by Dr Stephen Ladyman on 09/11/2006 - 16:38

The DSA is doing a review of young drivers' training and testing for me and all ideas are welcome. We do however already have a log book system that can be used and some ADIs have their own.

Other suggestions such as graduated licensing and probationary periods post test have problems around practicality in my mind. Furthermore, they don't appear proportionate - about 500000 under 25s pass their test every year and only a tiny minority get into trouble so we have to ask if it is justified to impose a new burden on the responsible majority. Also I want to make decisions that are evidence bas

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