Vehicle sharing under threat from new driving proposals

Vehicle sharing could be made more difficult under new proposals designed to protect young drivers.

A report, commissioned by the government and produced by TRL, would allow learner drivers to apply for provisional licences from the age of 17, but would also have to complete a minimum of 120 hours supervised driving before becoming fully qualified, with 20 hours clocked up at night.

It also proposed that new drivers would not be able to take passengers under 30 in their vehicle, unless there was another passenger over 30.

This could make it more difficult for staff to travel in the same vehicle on business journeys, as well as car sharing for commuting.

New drivers would also be banned from driving at night unless supervised, would not be able to take any phone calls while driving (including hands-free calls). A full probationary licence would then be issued at age 18.

New drivers over the age of 30 would not be subject to the same restrictions.

The proposals are based on the proportionately high level of accidents young drivers are involved in, and if made law, would seek to reduce crashes involving young drivers.

The report was welcomed by road safety charity Brake. Julie Townsend, deputy chief executive, said: "Through our support services for bereaved and injured crash victims, we witness the suffering and devastation that results from crashes involving young, inexperienced drivers.

"We wholeheartedly welcome this report, which is further recognition of the compelling case for graduated driver licensing. We urge the government to act swiftly and decisively by committing to a full system of graduated driver licensing, to help reduce the danger young drivers pose to themselves and others."