New drivers could potentially be stopped from using the roads at night, the Department for Transport (DfT) has revealed.
In the hope of reducing the amount of accidents involving novice drivers, the DfT is looking at a few ways to ease drivers into safer driving in the long term. This includes introducing a graduated driving licence - which could include a minimum learning period, not driving at night, or not driving with passengers under a certain age in the car.
These schemes already exist in New Zealand, Sweden, and parts of Australia, Canada and the US. They have been rejected so far in the UK as some areas have much fewer hours of light than others, along with concerns that it could stop young people getting to jobs or education.
Road Safety Minister Michael Ellis said: "We have some of the safest roads in the world, but we are always looking at ways to make them safer.
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"Getting your driving licence is exciting for young people, but it can also be daunting as you're allowed to drive on your own for the first time.
"We want to explore in greater detail how graduated driver licensing, or aspects of it, can help new drivers to stay safe and reduce the number of people killed or injured on our roads."
Under current rules, new drivers have their licences revoked if they accumulate six penalty points within the first two years after passing their test - that's the equivalent to points for using a handheld mobile phone while driving or two speeding offences.
Joshua Harris, from road safety charity Brake, believes that teaching young drivers the basics of safety on the road is key to reducing accidents.
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He explained: "Newly qualified drivers, particularly young males, are a high road safety risk and much of this can be put down to lack of experience and overconfidence.
"Brake supports a comprehensive Graduated Driver Licensing system for the UK, as its proven to work and can reduce the tragic numbers of young people being involved in fatal and serious crashes on our roads."
The Government changed the driving test in December 2017 to reflect changing issues facing drivers, including using sat nav.
Learner drivers can also travel on motorways with their driving instructor to get used to different sorts of roads.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: uk news