The DVLA is facing calls to change driving licence rules for younger motorists, as new research indicates that as many as one in four drivers would support lowering the legal driving age. The survey, conducted by GoCompare, asked 2,000 people about their views on the current driving age regulations.
Support for Earlier Learning
According to the findings, 46 percent of respondents believe that learning to drive at an earlier age could help young people become more responsible behind the wheel. Additionally, 44 percent said it would give young people more time to learn before reaching legal adulthood. One in three people think the current system does not adequately prepare young drivers for the road.
Benefits of Earlier Driving
35 percent of those surveyed felt that driving sooner would provide greater independence for young people. When asked whether they would be happy for their children to learn the principles of driving before being legally allowed on public roads, 34 percent said yes. However, over half of respondents said they would prefer their children to wait until they reach the legal age.
Tom Banks, motoring spokesperson at GoCompare, commented: "It's clear that many parents can see the benefits of allowing young people to start learning to drive earlier, particularly in terms of building responsibility and confidence over time. However, the hesitation around early exposure shows that safety remains a top priority."
Impact on Post-2009 Generation
Any potential rule change would impact people born after 2009 at the earliest. The research comes as more companies begin offering driving courses for under-17s, indicating a growing trend towards earlier driver education. Banks added: "While a significant chunk of parents would support a younger age limit, our figures indicate that the majority wouldn't be ready to see rules change just yet."
