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Safer Driving

New Drivers

Newly qualified drivers, especially young ones, are more at risk in the first year or so after passing their test than at any other time in their driving lifetime. One in five will have an accident in their first year alone.

Probationary Period

As of June 1987, people passing their driving test are ‘on probation’ for two years. A total of six or more penalty points during that time will mean they have to go back to learner status, apply for a provisional licence and take the test again.

Why a probation period?

The new law aims to reduce the number of road deaths and injuries by penalising new drivers who increase their risks by committing such offences as speeding.

Which drivers are affected?

Anyone passing their first driving test for any class of vehicle it covers (usually car or motorcycle), for the first two years after the date of passing. Drivers who already have a full licence in one category and pass a test in another do not have their probationary period extended.

Calculating the six points

Penalty points count if the offence was committed during the first two years after passing the driving test. If you have penalty points acquired before passing the test these may count too, as they are valid for three years after the date of the offence.

Returning to ‘L’ plates

When the DVLA is notified that a new driver has six or more penalty points they will write to say that the licence has been revoked. The driver then reverts to learner status. A learner car driver will once again need to be accompanied by a driver over the age of 21 and who has held a full licence for at least three years. A learner motorcycle driver will be restricted to smaller, less powerful bikes.

Older Road Users

There is convincing evidence to show that the effects of ageing cause deterioration in the skills necessary to continue as safe road users. Driving abilities may deteriorate from the age of 55 onwards.

Pedestrians

Aged 60 – 69 are TWICE AS LIKELY to be killed on the roads as other pedestrians.

Aged 70 – 79 are THREE TIMES AS LIKELY to be killed.

Over 80 are up to ELEVEN TIMES AS LIKELY to be killed.

Almost 95% of all older pedestrian casualties are in built-up areas. Whilst most remain active and independent some older pedestrians are not aware of their limitations or what they can do to remedy these problems.

Drivers

The risk of older drivers being involved in a fatal accident is as high as is for younger, inexperienced drivers. Older drivers sometimes have trouble judging the speed and intentions of other drivers and they are more likely to have accidents at junctions. It is important to try to be aware of the changes that have occurred in the past 20 to 30 years and the increasingly heavy traffic and congestion on our roads. Many drivers, regardless of their age, have not read the Highway Code for some years and are not aware of the changes in road layouts and signs.

Plan ahead

• Try to reduce your stress levels – if you are retired perhaps you could try travelling outside of peak times whenever possible.
• Travelling can often make people tired – so if possible pamper yourself and try to take frequent breaks during your journey.
• Medication, prescribed or purchased, can sometimes affect our ability to drive, so it is worth checking with your doctor or chemist.
• Plan your routes in advance – it will help you cope better with the journey.
• Try to take extra care at night or in bad weather. If possible try to avoid travelling in these conditions.

  Perhaps it would be worth considering public transport as an alternative whenever possible. It’s safer and cheaper. Older people are usually entitled to concession fares.