Scottish ministers call for tougher restrictions on new drivers

Scottish ministers have called on the UK government to grant them powers to put restrictions on new young drivers in a bid to reduce road deaths.

The introduction of graduated driving licences would restrict things like driving at night and the number of passengers new drivers could carry.

Figures from Transport Scotland show that on average between 2020 and 2024 car users aged 16 to 22 had a much higher casualty rate than older age groups.

The UK government said it wanted to keep young people safe, but had decided not to introduce "blanket restrictions" on new drivers.

It is considering introducing minimum learning periods before people can sit a driving test, but Scottish ministers say that will not tackle the problem.

"Its plans do not go far enough as it does not commit to wider post-test measures to safeguard young and novice drivers," said a Scottish government spokesperson.

"As such, we continue to press for powers to allow us to take further action to enhance young driver safety, including the delivery of national behaviour change campaigns focused on young drivers."

They said the licences are internationally proven to "help save lives and cut serious injuries".

A leaked memo seen by the Herald newspaper suggested that the plans could include compulsory "P" plates and tougher drink‑drive rules for new drivers.

Alan Knox is among those who have called for tighter restrictions. His 16-year-old son was killed in a crash in the Highlands in August 2025.

Lewis and his friends, Fergus Ward and Jordan Cameron who were both 17, died when the car they were travelling in left the road on the A830 between Mallaig and Arisaig.

Speaking to Radio Scotland Breakfast, Knox, who works as a paramedic, said he wanted to see graduated driving licences introduced, including a ban on new drivers carrying young passengers for a period after passing their test.

"When you've got a car full of youngsters in that age group of 17 to 24-year-olds - particularly males - then you've got peer pressure added to the driver," he said.

He said that things like people talking and music can distract new drivers, and they also lack the experience of things like driving at night, on rural roads and in adverse weather conditions.

He said some saw graduated licences as "restrictions on young people", but that graduated licences would help "protect them and other road users as well".

"I would like to see it for a year, six months is better than nothing... just to allow them just to gain that little bit more experience."

Northern Ireland will become the first part of the UK to introduce graduated driving licences when new rules come into force in October.

The reforms will see the region adopt a system similar to those already in place in countries such as Australia, the United States and the Republic of Ireland.

The measures will apply to all new drivers, but are primarily aimed at those aged between 17 and 23, who are statistically at greater risk on the roads.

Under the changes, new drivers in Northern Ireland will have to wait at least six months after receiving a provisional licence before taking a test, unless they are carers.

They will also be required to complete 14 training modules, signed off by an approved instructor or a qualified supervising driver such as a parent or guardian.

The region's "restricted period" after passing the test will double from 12 to 24 months, with new drivers displaying an 'R' plate — including a different colour in the first six months.

For the first six months, drivers aged up to 24 will be limited to one passenger aged 14 to 20 between 23:00 and 06:00, with exemptions for immediate family or if accompanied by an experienced driver.

Anyone breaching the new restrictions could face three penalty points or a fine of up to £1,000.

A UK government spokesperson said: "We want to keep young people safe while supporting their access to work, education and social opportunities.

"That's why we're not introducing blanket restrictions on new drivers, such as limits on passengers or night time driving.

"Instead, we're focusing on better preparation before the test and have recently consulted on a minimum learning period."