New guidelines for driving ‘condescending’ in direction of younger individuals | EUROtoday

In new measures to extend driver security, the federal government has proposed learner drivers wait six months between taking their concept check and their sensible check.

But Catherine, from Bristol, is ready to take her driving check and says the proposed rule appears “condescending” in direction of youthful drivers, including additional limitations at a time when many have to drive as quickly as doable to search out jobs and earn their independence.

The 26-year-old was one among many younger drivers who spoke to the BBC about how the proposed modifications may have an effect on them.

The authorities believes a minimal interval between sitting the idea check and the sensible check would assist learner drivers develop their abilities, together with driving in several situations.

Currently, learner drivers can take classes from 17 and ebook a sensible check as quickly as they’ve handed a concept examination.

But Catherine says introducing a compulsory ready interval can be pointless because the wait instances for a driving check are already so lengthy.

“Additionally, the prices of driving lessons can be very high. I am struggling to afford it… and with the cost of living being so high and the jobs crisis among young people, many people will not be able to afford six extra months of lessons,” she stated.

She provides that whereas she understands youthful individuals might be extra irresponsible when driving, the rule would have an effect on drivers of all ages however appears to be being drafted with “teenagers in mind.”

She believes insurance policies generally “infantilise young people” by not likely contemplating them adults “except when it’s convenient”, with “every problem being pinned on those between the ages of, say, 15-20”.

“People don’t have responsibility unless you give it to them,” she concludes.

“An 18-year-old can be a parent or a young carer – there are lots of reasons they need to start driving as soon as possible.”

ON the flip facet, 21-year-old Ryan from Reading thinks learner drivers ought to spend a minimal period of time with a driving teacher “because the standard of driving – especially those who have just passed – is a bit shocking”.

The proposals say casual studying with dad and mom or guardians will rely, however Ryan says: “all the parents are doing is teaching the kids what they did many years ago, and driving theory has been updated.”

However, he understands classes might be costly, and that in some instances it’s extremely vital that younger individuals are allowed to drive as quickly as they’ll. Ryan says that generally, the buses solely go to his surrounding villages as soon as each hour, rising reliance on vehicles to get round.

Other elements of the proposal intend to make it simpler to get somebody off the street if they have been caught for drug-induced driving.

Those over 70 may even must take eye checks to make sure their imaginative and prescient continues to be match for the street.

But the proposals ought to go additional and get all older individuals to take their check once more, says 26-year-old Jennifer from Liverpool.

“I don’t have a vendetta against older people – I know there are some 17- and 18-year-olds who show off to their mates and drink and drive – but older people get confused on the road,” she says. “And some don’t declare illnesses they have for fear of having their licence taken away”.

She’s is presently taking classes and say that many learner drivers are older, like her, and the proposed guidelines would unfairly goal her relatively than these irresponsible drivers at both finish of the age scale.

The majority of driving checks in Britain are taken by under-25s. In 2024-25, about 55% of checks have been taken by drivers aged 17-24.

Jack, from York, thinks the proposals are cheap, noting there was an elevated fee of accidents at “either end of the age scale”. He is presently desirous about taking classes.

“If they hadn’t suggested eye test for older people, I would feel targeted, but I feel like it’s fair,” the 25-year-old says.

However he does really feel that “forcing people to take them [lessons] for six months means forcing them to pay expensive driving fees for an extended period of time.”

He provides: “Reforming a system is important but if it’s extended, there has to be some sort of consideration of the expense of driving lessons.”