The government aims to reduce road fatalities and serious injuries by 65 overall in the next decade, and by 70 for children under 16, through this shake-up of driving laws. Statistics from 2024 indicate that approximately one-fifth of all deaths or serious injuries resulting from car crashes involved a young driver.

The Department for Transport (DfT) believes that a mandatory learning period would allow learner drivers to gain more experience and develop crucial skills, such as driving in diverse conditions. The DfT will consult on whether the minimum learning period should be three or six months. This period would encompass both formal driving lessons and informal practice with parents or guardians.

The consultation process will involve gathering feedback from driving instructors, road safety organizations, and the general public to determine the most effective implementation of the new rule. The government hopes that this measure will lead to safer driving habits among newly licensed drivers and contribute to a reduction in road accidents.