The Government are considering proposals to raise the driving age to 18 in an attempt to slash the death toll on our roads.
As part of these quite frankly radical proposals, young people could be forced to wait until they are 19 before they qualify for a full licence; the current lowest age that someone can drive independently is 17 (this is reduced to 16 if you’re in receipt of the higher rate of the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance).
Furthermore, proposals could also see all motorists aged under 30 banned from giving their friends a lift, or driving at night, for a 12 month period after they pass their test.
Without getting too deep into the subject, I do feel that a sensible, graduated licencing system is not a bad idea, but to place such restrictive restrictions on people for me is crazy, impractical and will be pretty much impossible to police.
On top of which, should the proposal to have learners take a minimum 120 hours tuition over the course of a year, it would price learning to drive out of most people’s reach; which in turn will only, in my opinion, encourage people to drive illegally… that’s not to mention the huge financial impact which will be felt by driver trainers such as myself due to the fall in demand in the interim period…
Currently, these proposals are only at the consultation stage, and to be honest we have heard talk of similar things over the years which have not amounted to much. Something may come of it – nothing may come of it. I just hope that there is some SERIOUS thought and consideration given by the powers that be before rolling any potential changes out to the public.
We wait with bated breath…
To be honest, it puzzles me as to why the Government do not integrate road safety teachings into the National Curriculum?!? After all, many road deaths and injuries are caused by poor driver attitude (risk taking, lack of appreciation of danger etc.) which is essentially formed during the formative years, so would it not make sense to be working on promoting positive attitudes to driving & road safety from the early stages of life?
It is far easier to form an attitude than to change one…
Just a thought…
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Until next time, be careful out there and stay safe folks!
Chris
http://www.chrischambers-som.com
https://www.facebook.com/drivingschoolssunderland/posts/641120949261940