Dozens of new drivers had their licence revoked on a daily basis in 2018, after reaching six penalty points.
Figures obtained by Brake – via a freedom of information request to the DVLA – show 11,953 drivers had their licence revoked under the New Drivers Act last year, an average of 33 per day.
The legislation means drivers who get six or more penalty points within two years of passing their test have their licence revoked.
If they wish to drive again, they are required to re-apply and pay for a new provisional licence and pass both theory and practical parts of the driving or riding test again.
Of those who had their licence revoked in 2018, drivers aged 17-24 years made up almost two thirds (62%) of the total.
Brake says these findings are ‘shocking’ and show that more needs to be done to ensure young drivers are safe on the roads.
The road safety charity is calling for the introduction of a comprehensive Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system across the UK.
This system would include a 12-month learner period, an initial test, and then a two-year novice period when drivers can drive independently but with restrictions – such as a late-night driving curfew.
Joshua Harris, director of campaigns for Brake, said: “It’s shocking that so many new drivers are racking up enough penalty points to have their licences revoked so soon after passing their test, in particular those in the 17-24 age bracket.
“It clearly demonstrates that we need to make our licensing system more robust so that when a driver passes their test, they have all the necessary tools and knowledge to drive safely on all roads and in all conditions.
“The Government’s announcement that they will explore the issue of GDL further is welcome.
“Swift and decisive action must, however, be taken to introduce GDL across the UK, as a priority to ensure new drivers have the skills and experience they need and to end the tragedy of young people dying on our roads.”
Once again, curfews are suggested as a means to improve safety. Knowing who I was at the age of 17, and the time keeping of most 17 year old’s I meet, this would be near disastrous.
I genuinely believe that a curfew would lead to drivers speeding in order to “get home” in time for curfew rather than abandon their car and get some form of night time transport. I’m sure I’ve read no end of research suggesting that the majority of new drivers crash in the dark, not necessarily late at night. I will concede that if a driver wasn’t allowed to drive at a time when it was near guaranteed, it would reduce the likelihood of a collision, however, I don’t believe we can engineer all night time driving out of a new driver’s realm.
Perhaps a GDL should focus more on education during hours of darkness, rather than exclusion. For example, not allowing students to apply for their test without an ADI confirming they’ve had a minimum amount of time driving in darkness.
James Fee, Nottingham
+3
Perhaps the reinforcement of the message during their training, to new drivers or riders is this:
What the law giveth, the law also can take away?
On today’s overcrowded roads, the perception that driving licenses are an entitlement, should be seen as a privilege. One that can be removed from any & all road users regardless of age or experience?
Then again you cannot place an old head on young shoulders, as this is how humans learn.
If we all are honest with ourselves, & think back to the silly things we did as teenagers, because of bravado, trying to impress the opposite gender, or peer expectations or pressure?
The only message that possible will get through is drive or ride like an idiot & having to rely on public transport will be your reward? That’s should be a starting point!
Sandy Allan, Aberdeen
+1
Far too many young drivers think there invisible because they have passed their test. I’ve seen the devastation they cause and it’s not nice. They speed everywhere I live in the town centre and see it every day. We should be looking at Australia and New Zealand rules for young drivers were they can’t have people in the car at certain times etc
Steven Fraser, Elgin moray
--2
> It clearly demonstrates that we need to make our licensing system more robust so that when a driver passes their test, they have all the necessary tools and knowledge to drive safely on all roads and in all conditions.
Or that – taking a leaf out of Hugh’s pamphlet for a moment – it is working as intended?
David Weston, Newcastle-upon-Tyne
+2
Does anyone know how many 17 to 24 year olds accumulated 6 or more points within 2 years under the old system before the 6 point limit was introduced? Only then may we consider whether this statistic is a worsening of the previous situation.
Pat, Wales
+12