UK road safety strategy 2026: A driving instructors perspective | Greer's Gears

The recent published UK road safety strategy highlights a growing recognition that inexperience and poor judgement, rather than a lack of basic rule knowledge, remain key contributors to serious collisions among young and novice drivers.

From a professional driving instructor's perspective, the proposal to introduce a minimum learning period between theory test and the practical test is a sensible and constructive step. Learning to drive is not simply about passing a test; it is a process that develops through time, experience, and exposure to a wide range of driving conditions.

Allowing learners more time to practice can help build confidence and improve decision making. However, time alone does not automatically create safer drivers. The quality of driving lessons, structured learning and professional guidance remain critical. Informal practice can and does vary significantly and not all learners will naturally experience challenging situations such as night driving, rural roads, heavy traffic or poor weather conditions.

The wider focus of the road safety strategy on reducing drink and drug driving, speeding, mobile phone use and improving vehicle safety technology is well supported by evidence and should contribute positively to reducing serious injuries on UK roads.

The decision not to introduce Graduated Driving Licences at this stage will divide opinion. While a cautious approach is understandable, post driving test risk amount newly qualified drivers remains high and continues to warrant careful consideration.

Overall the strategy represents a positive foundation rather than a complete solution. It shifts the focus away from simply passing a driving test and towards developing experience, confidence and safe driving habits that last beyond test day.