Young Drivers Give Opinion on Proposed Licence Restrictions for Learner Drivers

Currently under 18? Thinking about learning to drive? The government wants to increase the age limit at which you can start learning from 17 to 18. Talks have already begun. Book Theory Test Today gets the opinion of young drivers regarding the proposed restrictions.

If you’re 17 and thinking about learning to drive, unless you’ve been asleep for the last 12 months, you will have noticed that the government is trying to increase the age limit at which you can learn to drive.

Book Theory Test Today has kept a close watch on this topic, gathering the opinion of parents, driving instructors and the powers that be who want to make these restrictions happen. The views have been varied and we’ve waited a few months for the dust to settle in order to get the opinion of the people it will affect, meaning you.

Book Theory Test Today wanted to find out what you thought of all this talk about driving curfews and graduated licences. Do you think the proposals are fair and a good idea for improving young driver safety? Or, are the restrictions unfairly targeting young drivers, making them scapegoats for all that goes wrong on Britain’s roads?

The Book Theory Test Today blogger says: “If you are blissfully unaware of what’s going to happen, here’s a snapshot of what the government will expect from you should these changes take place.”

As a new driver, with a theory test certificate and some sort of licence acknowledging that you are deemed worthy to take to the roads, you will be expected to complete 100 hours of daytime driving and a minimum of 20 hours night-time driving.

What do you think?

Kimberly Shaw, aged 17, recently received her provisional licence. Of the night-time and daytime driving hours, she said: “That sucks because I have no time because I’m either at college or work. The changes sound a bit pointless.”

The Book Theory Test Today blogger says: “In general, there seems to be a lot of negativity aimed at new drivers, they’re often labelled as ‘bad motorists’, which is often based on accident statistics.”

However, some younger drivers refute the ‘young motorists are bad drivers’ label.

Katie Duke had this to say: “Not needed [the changes]. Majority of bad drivers are over the age of 25 that I see on a daily basis & they’re the ones involved in accidents.”

A few others agreed that the changes are not necessary:

Lauren Everett said: “It doesn’t matter what age you are, it’s how you drive, some older and longer drivers drive worse than young new drivers.”

James Christo said: “How are you supposed to get a job if you can’t drive till you 19? It’s a joke.”

But, as with other groups, opinion among young drivers is also divided. Some think the restrictions are a great idea:

Simon Ballantyne said: “All drivers, once they’ve passed their theory test & practical exam, should be put through an advanced driving course, learn how to deal with skidding, how to approach a corner, accelerate out of the corner properly, how to opposite lock it, should you get into a skid.”

He added: “I know people who’ve said they would just shut their eyes and let go of the steering wheel should any of the above happen.”

Jade Milner said: “There will be less careless drivers on the road. The accidents will cut down as well, and parents won’t have to worry every time they go out.”

Your view

What’s your opinion about the restrictions? Leave a comment…

Book Theory Test Today offers an intermediary service assisting clients with booking a UK theory test, or practical test, at test centres across the nation. The service also supplies resources to help you prepare for your theory test – Ready to take your theory test? Book your theory test online today…

Tags: Learning To Drive

This entry was posted on Sunday, December 21st, 2014 at 10:26 pm and is filed under Learning to Drive. You can follow any comments to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a comment, or trackback from your own site.