Learners could have to wait six months between their theory and practical driving tests
Learner drivers could face a six-month waiting period before being able to take their tests in new plans from the Government to improve road safety. Learner drivers could face a six-month waiting period before being able to take their tests in new plans from the Government to improve road safety.
Learners, the majority of whom are in their late teens and early 20s, could be forced to endure the wait despite massive backlogs for booking practical driving tests which stretch to nearly six months. The measure, which will be subject to consultation, is set to be unveiled as part of a wider road safety strategy due to be launched on Wednesday. The road safety strategy, billed as the first of its kind in more than a decade, aims to reduce deaths and serious injuries on roads by 65% as of 2035.Learners, the majority of whom are in their late teens and early 20s, could have to wait six months between their theory test and practical driving test as part of the plans.Drivers under the age of 25 represent 6% of licence holders but were involved in 24% of fatal and serious crashes in 2024, according to Government figures. Ministers believe minimum learning periods could help to reduce such collisions by up to 32%, based on evidence from other countries.They can book a practical test as soon as they have passed a theory exam, although there is still a lengthy backlog following the Covid-19 pandemic. The Department of Transport is expected to consult on a three or six-month minimum waiting period as part of the plans, the BBC said. Transport minister Lilian Greenwood said: "A driving licence opens doors to employment, education and independence for young people, but we also know that inexperience puts drivers, their passengers, and other road users at greater risk. "Young drivers aged 17 to 24 make up just 6% of licence holders, yet they are involved in nearly a quarter of fatal and serious collisions - that is a stark and unacceptable disparity."This consultation is all about supporting young drivers to develop the confidence they need to stay safe and giving them more time to build their skills and gain experience in different driving conditions." Other proposals set to be unveiled as part of the road safety strategy include lowering the drink-driving limit in England and Wales, which will likely include an even lower limit for new drivers. West Ham United's hopes of Premier League survival suffer further blow after defeat to Nottingham ForestTom Tugendhat tells LBC he is 'very cautious' about the 'ramping up' of potential US actions towards GreenlandTrump 'wants deals not wars' and could reach Greenland agreement without force, former advisor says It comes after the president suggested over the weekend that Venezuela may not be the last country subject to interventionThe findings have led campaigners to call on the government to take action to cut the amount of salt in food and help families make healthy eating choicesWater company chief blames supply crisis on people spending more time at home following Covid The boss of the local water board scored his company's performance between a "six and and an eight" during the crisisWater company chief blames supply crisis on people spending more time at home following Covid The boss of the local water board scored his company's performance between a "six and and an eight" during the crisisPolice chiefs told ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans at Aston Villa match was wrong Craig Guildford, chief constable for West Midlands, told a Commons home affairs select committee on Tuesday that he had asked for a review of the decision following a a major political and public outcryWoman awarded compensation after her mother’s ashes got lost in the post The company tried to blame the incident on Royal Mail but then claimed Mrs R could be heard laughing in a phone call she made to complain about the incidentUS warplanes and elite strike force flock to UK bases as Venezuela-linked tanker seizure looms Ten C-17 Globemasters and a pair of AC-130J have landed at two Royal Air Force bases, RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire and RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk
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