A new survey of British drivers conducted by Regtransfers has found that one in five motorists – approximately 21% – say they encounter driving they would describe as dangerous or careless from learner or provisional licence holders at least once a month.
The findings arrive as the UK Government currently consults on introducing a mandatory minimum waiting period of three to six months between passing a theory test and sitting a practical driving exam.
The survey also explored how drivers respond when they find themselves behind a learner or recently-passed motorist. The results suggest British drivers are broadly patient: over 77% said they alter their driving when they spot L or P plates, with a third of respondents (32%) saying they consciously drive more carefully specifically for the new driver’s safety.
The largest group – 45% – said they drive more carefully primarily for their own safety.
While not a legal requirement, the survey also examined driver reactions to ‘Baby on Board’ stickers. Roughly 29% of respondents said they consciously make an effort to drive more carefully when they see one – slowing down or leaving a greater following distance. However, the largest group – 34% – said they notice the sticker but it does not change their driving at all, and 13% said they do not pay attention to them.
Taken together, just over half of drivers (approximately 53%) report some change in their driving behaviour in response to a ‘Baby on Board’ sticker.
The Government’s ongoing consultation on a mandatory gap between theory and practical tests is aimed at giving new drivers more time to build experience before sitting their practical examination. Proponents argue the change could reduce the number of inexperienced drivers on the road and lower collision rates among newly-qualified motorists.
Commenting on the study’s findings, Regtransfers CEO Mark Trimbee said, “Sadly, our data shows that encounters with substandard driving from new motorists aren’t a rare occurrence, and may be due to ineffective teaching strategies, a lack of confidence or even overconfident driving from newly-passed learners.
Either way, this frequency of poor driving is the kind of evidence that ought to inform the Government’s current thinking on training and testing reform. At the same time, it’s encouraging to see that the vast majority of long-term drivers respond to L and P plates with patience and care – whether it’s for the learner’s safety or their own. Regardless, it will be interesting to see how the government plans to tackle the future of learning to drive.”
