Young drivers banned after reaching six points

Brake is arguing for graduated driver licences after data showed that, on average, 33 new drivers lost their licence every day after reaching six penalty points.

New drivers face having their licence revoked at the lower threshold within the first two years of passing their driving test.

The data was obtained from the DVLA by a freedom of information request submitted by Brake. The FOI revealed that 11,953 new drivers had their licence revoked under the New Drivers Act in 2018, with drivers aged 17-24 making up almost two thirds (62%) of the total.

Drivers aged 17-24, says Brake, are disproportionately at risk on Britain’s roads. They represent nearly a fifth of all drivers killed and seriously injured on the roads, but make up only 7% of all licence holders.

Under the New Drivers Act, 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.

Brake believes the findings show that more needs to be done to ensure young drivers are safe on the roads.

They are calling for the introduction of a comprehensive graduated driver licensing 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.

The Government announced in July that graduated driver licensing, which could include not being able to drive at night, is being explored as part of the its road safety action plan to reduce new driver crashes.

The accident management proposal comes in response to a fifth of new drivers crashes within their first year on the road.

Director of campaigns for Brake, Joshua Harris, 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. Fortunately, there is a proven solution which can deliver this, graduated driver licensing.”

He continued: “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.”

New drivers having their licence revoked within two years of passing their test