Scottish Government Pushes for Tougher Rules on Young Drivers

Scottish ministers are pressing the UK government for greater powers to introduce stricter controls on newly qualified drivers as part of efforts to reduce road deaths and serious injuries among young people.

The Scottish Government is seeking the ability to introduce forms of graduated driving licences, which could place temporary restrictions on newly qualified drivers during the early stages after passing their test.

Potential measures under consideration include limiting night-time driving, restricting the number of passengers young drivers can carry, introducing compulsory “P” plates, and applying tougher drink-driving rules for newly licensed motorists.

The debate follows ongoing concerns over casualty rates involving younger drivers. Figures from Transport Scotland show that drivers and passengers aged between 16 and 22 continue to experience significantly higher rates of road casualties compared with older age groups.

The UK government has previously acknowledged the need to improve road safety for young drivers but has so far resisted introducing wider “blanket restrictions” on newly qualified motorists across Britain.

Instead, ministers are reportedly considering alternative measures such as mandatory minimum learning periods before candidates are allowed to take their driving test.

However, Scottish ministers argue that these proposals do not go far enough to address the risks associated with newly qualified drivers during the period immediately after passing their test.

A spokesperson for the Scottish Government said the administration continues to press for powers that would allow Scotland to introduce additional road safety measures focused specifically on young and novice drivers.

Graduated licensing systems are already used in several countries internationally, including parts of North America, Australia, and New Zealand, where phased driving privileges are intended to reduce collision risks during the highest-risk period for new drivers.

Supporters of the approach argue that temporary restrictions can help reduce exposure to the most dangerous driving conditions while inexperienced motorists build confidence and experience on the road.

Research has often identified factors such as night-time driving, peer passenger distraction, and inexperience as key contributors to serious collisions involving younger drivers.

However, proposals for graduated licences have historically faced opposition from some groups concerned about limiting independence for young people, particularly in rural areas where access to public transport may be limited and driving is often essential for work, education, and social mobility.

The issue continues to generate debate across the transport and road safety sectors, balancing public safety objectives against concerns over fairness, practicality, and enforcement.

Road safety campaigners have repeatedly called for stronger intervention measures following persistent concerns over casualty rates among younger drivers, while others argue that improvements in driver education, hazard awareness, and vehicle safety technology should remain the primary focus.

The Scottish Government says it also wants to expand national behaviour change campaigns aimed at improving driving standards and awareness among younger motorists.

Any future changes to driver licensing rules would likely require cooperation between the Scottish and UK governments, as many areas of driving regulation remain reserved to Westminster.