UK Government Imposes Six-Month Minimum Learning Period For New Drivers

Learner driver minimum period

The UK government has announced a consultation on introducing a minimum learning period for learner drivers in England and Wales, considering either three or six months between passing the theory test and taking the practical test as part of a wider road-safety strategy.

The proposal would cover both formal driving lessons and informal practice with parents or guardians, and the government cites evidence from other countries suggesting such minimum periods could cut collisions by up to 32%.

Ministers say the package aims to reduce deaths and serious injuries on Britain’s roads by 65% over the next decade, and by 70% for children under 16.

Policy effects on young drivers

The policy could delay the youngest new drivers becoming fully qualified.

The BBC notes the move could mean the youngest new drivers would be at least about 17½.

It also aligns with existing practical-test backlogs of around six months caused by the pandemic, which ministers expect to last until late 2027.

This intersects with implementation questions flagged by This is Money about how learning time would be documented or verified, suggesting driving instructors might be asked to confirm learning time.

Sky News cites ministerial statistics showing drivers aged 17–24 account for nearly a quarter of deaths and serious injuries, which helps explain the policy's focus on young drivers.

Proposed road safety measures

The proposed package includes several other measures beyond the minimum learning period.

BBC reports the government is proposing lower drink-drive limits — around 20 mg per 100 ml of blood for novice drivers and about 50 mg for other drivers, matching Scotland.

Sky News lists mandatory eye tests for over-70s as part of the Road Safety Strategy.

This is Money emphasises enforcement moves: a crackdown on illegal reflective "ghost" number plates that can evade ANPR, tougher action on uninsured drivers (estimated at around 300,000), potential fines and the novel suggestion that drivers could be penalised for passengers not wearing seat belts.

Responses to driving strategy

Reactions to the announcement are mixed.

Sky News quotes the AA's president Edmund King calling the strategy 'welcome' and 'ambitious' but reports criticism from bereaved families and campaigners who say the measures are a 'missed opportunity' and 'not enough' to save young lives.

BBC provides the policy context and target reductions without prominent emotive reactions, presenting the measures in an informational tone.

This is Money takes a practical stance, advising provisional licence holders to be prepared to document learning time and urging drivers to keep insurance, MOT and legal number plates up to date.

Learner driver policy gaps

Several uncertainties remain, and sources highlight different gaps.

This is Money notes it is not yet clear how learning will be verified, raising questions about enforcement and instructor involvement.

The BBC cites modelling and international evidence suggesting such learning periods could reduce collisions by up to 32%, but it does not detail verification mechanisms.

Sky News says campaigners view the package as insufficient, showing a gap between government ambition and some stakeholders' expectations.

Taken together, the sources show a policy framed around casualty-reduction targets and enforcement measures, yet practical verification remains unclear and there is debate over whether the package goes far enough for young drivers.