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Dear Consultee Introducing a more structured approach to learning to drive - results of consultation I refer to the Department's consultation document Introducing a More Structured Approach to Learning to Drive1 issued in March 2002, setting out a number of options for changing the way people learn to drive and for the immediate post-test period. We received 320 responses to the consultation document from a wide variety of organisations and individuals. A summary of the key points made is attached together with a list of those who responded. The Department has concluded from this substantial and very helpful response that: the way forward is to improve the education environment so that learners have access to a more consistent and better standard of training; the Department's Driving Standards Agency (DSA) should consider what further learning resources might be made available to learners and trainers. In particular, they will look at how modern learning techniques and information technology can be further developed and used to help learners develop safe driving skills for life; and the regulatory arrangements for driving instructors will also be reviewed to ensure that the public can have confidence that the driver training services they are buying are of the highest quality. DSA will consult interested parties on measures to achieve these changes. In the light of the comments received, and the above decisions, the Department has decided that further statutory regulation on the way new drivers learn would be unlikely to make enough of a contribution to road safety to justify legislative action at present. On the introduction of mandatory logbooks, the Road Safety Strategy accepted the principle that learner drivers should use a training logbook. A new version was developed last year and it is now known as the "Driver's Record". Further work is underway to assess the format, use and benefits of this voluntary version. We also need to learn more about what other learning resources might be appropriate before introducing mandatory training tools. In relation to extending the learning period, currently some 140,000 drivers, about a quarter of the total number of successful candidates, pass the practical car driving test before they are 18. About a third of these are under 17½. However, partly as a result of strengthening the driving test, it is now taking most candidates longer to learn to drive and the original estimates for casualty savings arising from this measure would not be achieved. We also recognise that an enforced learning period would have an impact on a significant number of young people, especially those in rural areas. We do not therefore propose to pursue this option. We also invited views on whether the current restriction on learners using motorways should be lifted. Research does not suggest that young new drivers are particularly at risk on motorways compared to more mature and experienced drivers. Learners should anyway have had experience on higher-speed roads other than motorways before they take their test. The Department considers that the benefit from allowing learner drivers to use motorways has not yet been demonstrated sufficiently to lift the current restriction. The consultation document supported the introduction of a 4-week delay period before the practical test could be taken. But the Department is conscious that nationally, the wait for a driving test is longer than the current 6-week target for car tests (although test centres in a few areas may be at or below a 4-week wait). We do not therefore consider that it would be appropriate to introduce this measure at present. The Department is satisfied that there is no evidence to suggest that the compulsory use of P-plates would have significant safety benefits and we cannot therefore justify the introduction of compulsory use at this stage. On the option to introduce a probationary licence code, we do not support making this part of the licensing process. However, the AA made an interesting suggestion, recommending the introduction of an alternative "Probationary Code". This would not be a mark on the licence but a new document along the lines of the Highway Code. It would contain advice for newly qualified drivers on issues such as the requirements of the New Drivers Act, use of P-plates and the risks associated with driving at night, carrying passengers in cars, and driving high-powered cars. The AA suggested that like the Highway Code, although failure to follow the advice would not be a specific offence, if a new driver were involved in an incident, the Code could be used as evidence in any subsequent prosecution. We are attracted to the idea put forward by the AA and have decided to give further consideration to the possible introduction of a Probationary Drivers' Code. Such a document could be used purely as an education tool, similar to the children's code "Arrive Alive" or form part of the statutory Code using the powers in section 38 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. We will seek further views on this. The consultation document indicated that the Department was not inclined to introduce a number of options that are sometimes put forward as ways to improve the safety of novice drivers. No new issues emerged from the consultation to lead us to change our views on these issues. A wide variety of other suggestions for improving novice driver safety were made in response to the consultation document. Although there was support for making Pass Plus compulsory and initiating a full review of graduated licensing, the Department's philosophy is to encourage graduated learning before a full licence is issued. We remain of the view that the skills drivers need to drive unaccompanied should be demonstrated at the time of the practical test and that further compulsory training or testing is not justified. Most of the other suggestions focused on the driving test. In particular, dropping some of the manoeuvres so that more test time is spent on assessing the "higher order" skills. In practice, this is not an option as the manoeuvres are part of the minimum standards set out in European Union legislation. Although we will continue to look for measures to improve the driving test, including exploiting further our investment in sophisticated computer based assessment, there are no other specific regulatory changes that the Department wishes to take forward at this stage. The Department would like to thank all those who responded to the consultation. We are grateful for the contributions made and although no new regulatory measures are to be taken forward at this stage, we were pleased that we were able to take account of a wide variety of views in coming to a decision on the way forward. A copy of this letter is being sent to all those who submitted comments on the consultation document. Yours sincerely Sue Faulkner Road Safety Division Department of Transport 2/11 Great Minster House 76 Marsham Street LONDON SW1 4DR 1 The consultation document may be viewed at: http://www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_rdsafety/documents/page/dft_rdsafety_505009.hcsp © Copyright GEM Motoring Assist 2005 Top of Page |
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