More than half of motorists support night-time passenger restrictions for newly qualified drivers, according to new research published by IAM RoadSmart.
The survey of 1,045 motorists found that 57% would support restrictions on newly qualified drivers carrying passengers of a similar age at night.
Among drivers aged 17-24, support for the measure was lower, at 32%, with this group instead showing greater support for additional training after passing the driving test.
A total of 44% of respondents backed a curfew on nighttime driving for newly qualified drivers between midnight and 5am, although support among 17-24-year-olds was 21%.
Mandatory post-test training was supported by 44% of motorists overall and was the most popular measure among 17-24-year-olds, with 42% supporting it. Examples include schemes such as DVSA’s Pass Plus and IAM RoadSmart’s Young Driver Assessment.
The research also found that 29% of motorists supported mandatory telematics insurance for newly qualified drivers.
Meanwhile, 36% backed the UK Government’s proposed introduction of a mandatory learning period for novice drivers, with support among 17-24-year-olds at 34%.
The Government’s Road Safety Strategy, published in January 2026, includes a consultation on introducing a minimum learning period for learner drivers. The proposals include a minimum period of learning, a minimum number of supervised driving hours, a logbook and a structured learning syllabus.
IAM RoadSmart said the findings indicated broad support for measures aimed at improving the way young people learn to drive, with only 8% of respondents saying they would not support any of the measures presented.
The research also asked motorists who they believed had the biggest influence on reducing serious collisions involving young drivers. Parents and guardians were identified by 53% of respondents, second only to young drivers themselves.
There was also support for using financial incentives to encourage safer driving, with 59% of motorists backing an exemption from Insurance Premium Tax (IPT) for drivers taking up telematics products during their first year of driving.
Young drivers aged 17-24 account for around 6% of licence holders but were involved in 24% of fatal and serious collisions in Great Britain in 2024. The Government has identified youth and inexperience as key factors contributing to the increased risk faced by this group.
IAM RoadSmart also highlighted research indicating that restrictions on passengers of a similar age could have a significant effect on serious casualties among young drivers, by reducing potential distraction. It said international evidence on Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) suggests such approaches can reduce collisions and trauma involving young drivers.
Nicholas Lyes, director of policy and external communications at IAM RoadSmart, said the findings showed that younger drivers were “far more pragmatic” about additional learning and a graduated approach to becoming full licence holders.
He added that the Government’s proposed minimum learning period was “only part of the solution”, arguing that young drivers also needed to develop the skills and experience required for safer independent driving.
Rebecca Morris, communications and engagement lead at Protect Young Drivers, said the findings showed that young people themselves recognised the need for change.
She said the Government’s commitment to consult on a minimum learning period was welcome, but added that attention was also needed on what happens after the driving test, when newly qualified drivers can be particularly vulnerable.
IAM RoadSmart, working with the RAC, RAC Foundation and ECM Research Solutions, has also produced free resources for parents and novice drivers, including parental guidance, practice scorecards and agreements.
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