Achieving a new driving licence is an exciting milestone for anyone, but the law recognises that new drivers are at an increased risk of a collision due to a lack of experience.
A number of proposals have been made by the Government and legal campaigners to introduce restrictions on drivers within the first six months or first year – as new drivers are not currently restricted on how or when they drive.
Youth or experience?
One such suggestion included banning new drivers under the age of 25 from carrying other under-25s as passengers in the first year of having their licence.
However, such a ban does not fully address the issue of safety among new drivers, as it seems to target young drivers rather than new ones.
We understand the reasoning behind it, since we are no strangers to cases where incidents are fuelled by drivers distracted by friends, alcohol culture and inexperience in decision-making – but it fails to tackle the roots of the issue.
Research by AutoTrader suggests that new drivers are now at an average age of 26. An individual who starts driving at this age has no more experience on the road than one aged 17, so any change to the law would need to reflect this lack of experience, rather than penalising only young new drivers.
Six points and you’re out
The only restriction that currently exists for new drivers is not relating to how they drive or whether they drive with passengers or not, but to the points system.
The points system is a way of penalising certain driving offences without immediately punishing offenders, rather cautioning them against committing the offence again.
Most drivers will receive an automatic driving ban of at least six months when they receive 12 or more points.
However, under the New Drivers Act, drivers within the first two years will lose their licence after receiving six points – and will have to retake both the theory and practical tests in order to be able to drive again.
We should also note that the use of a mobile phone while operating a vehicle now carries a six-point penalty, so doing so could get a new driver banned for a single offence.
We specialise in road traffic law and can advise you on your rights and obligations as a driver. Contact our team to find out how we can help you.