Wed, 07 Jan 2026

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 Young people say new driving rules are condescending and expensive

Young drivers have spoken to the BBC about how the proposed changes could affect them.

* Government proposes 6-month wait between theory and practical driving tests, but young drivers say it's "condescending" and will create further barriers.
* Many learner drivers already struggle with high costs of lessons and long waiting times for practical tests.
* Young driver Catherine says the rule affects all ages, not just teenagers, and that introducing a mandatory wait time would be pointless due to existing wait times.
* She believes policies often "infantilise" young people by not considering them adults, except when it's convenient.
* On the other hand, some learners think a minimum waiting period is necessary to develop skills and improve road safety.
* Ryan from Reading thinks learner drivers should spend time with a driving instructor because parents teaching their kids outdated methods can be a problem.
* The proposals also include plans for informal learning to count towards practical test eligibility.
* Other proposed changes include stricter penalties for drivers under the influence of drugs and regular eye tests for older motorists.
* Some young learners think the rules don't go far enough, including Jennifer from Liverpool who thinks all older people should take their driving test again.
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