In September PACTS submitted a request, under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, to the Department for Transport on graduated driver licensing:
“What research, if any, the DfT has undertaken into possible effects of a graduated driving licensing
scheme for young drivers on access to employment, education, training or leisure for young people?”
The Department has responded (15th October 2104) and is available here along with the supporting information provided.
The response lists research by TRL, a factsheet about young drivers based on National Travel Survey and STATS19 data, calculation of the cost of three mandatory driving lessons and a minimum learning period, and reference to DfT focus group research with young drivers, parents and employers – so far unpublished. Whilst each of these publications provides useful information, none of them attempts to assess the possible effects of a GDL scheme on the access to employment, education, training or leisure for young people.
PACTS executive director David Davies immediately wrote to road safety minister Robert Goodwill, pointing out that suggestions that GDL would impose restrictions on young drivers’ access to employment, education etc were not backed by evidence. He again urged the Government to publish consultation proposals to improve young driver safety, including GDL.
