GEM urges families to think ‘life‑ready, not just test‑ready’ for their new drivers

● Young drivers aged 17 to 24 make up only around 6% of licence holders but are involved in nearly a quarter of fatal and serious collisions on Britain’s roads.

● GEM says the Government’s new road safety strategy is a “vital chance to change the story” for young and novice drivers by extending and improving the learning period.

● Parents and carers should model safe behaviour, set clear “phone, peer pressure and substance” rules, and prioritise modern safety technology when helping choose a first car.

Road safety and breakdown specialist GEM Motoring Assist has welcomed the Government’s new road safety strategy as a vital opportunity to protect young and novice drivers, a sector still disproportionately involved in serious crashes.

The strategy is built on a Safe System approach, recognising that people will make mistakes, but ensuring that roads, rules, enforcement and vehicle design should prevent those mistakes becoming life-changing. ​

One of the proposals is a consultation on a minimum learning period of three or six months before a learner can take the practical test, potentially backed by a clearer syllabus and minimum practice requirements.

James Luckhurst, head of road safety at GEM, explained: “Those aged 17 to 24 make up only a small share of licence holders, yet they are involved in nearly a quarter of fatal and serious collisions. The strategy offers a vital chance to change the story, by putting forward measures to improve safety for young and newly-qualified drivers,” he said.

“Passing the test proves basic competence, not full readiness for night driving, peer pressure, bad weather and busy urban environments.” ​

“The strategy also highlights the danger of being distracted while driving. We know that learners who regularly see a parent or guardian checking a phone at the wheel are more likely to regard this as part of ‘normal’ driving, rather than a high-risk action.

“Families have significant influence on safety, so we ask parents to put safety first and set the best-possible example for their young people to follow.” ​

Another focus is vehicle safety technology, with proposals to consult on mandating a wide range of advanced safety systems, including autonomous emergency braking, intelligent speed assistance and driver attention monitoring.

“Driving with care, courtesy and concentration will remain GEM’s priority, but if a split-second mistake occurs, then safer vehicles and properly-understood safety tech can make the difference between a scary moment and a serious incident,” added James Luckhurst.

“For anyone supporting a learner, the message is simple. Aim to help your learner become life-ready, not just test-ready. Stretch the learning period and make safety your prime consideration when choosing a car. Plan structured post-test experience, set clear guidance on phone use and peer pressure and instil in them the non- negotiable rule that alcohol and substances must never mix with driving.”

GEM Motoring Assist is headline sponsor of the 2026 Young Driver Focus, which takes place at the RAC Club in London on Wednesday 13 May.

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GEM Motoring Assist is a members’ motoring and road safety organisation in the UK. Our aim is to keep our members on the move… whether that’s through our breakdown recovery service or our motoring and road safety expertise.

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