Nearly 12,000 new drivers have licences revoked last year

Dozens of new drivers had their licence revoked on a daily basis in 2018, after reaching six penalty points.

Figures obtained by Brake – via a freedom of information request to the DVLA – show 11,953 drivers had their licence revoked under the New Drivers Act last year, an average of 33 per day.

The legislation means drivers who get six or more penalty points within two years of passing their test have their licence revoked.

If they wish to drive again, they are required to re-apply and pay for a new provisional licence and pass both theory and practical parts of the driving or riding test again.

Of those who had their licence revoked in 2018, drivers aged 17-24 years made up almost two thirds (62%) of the total.

Brake says these findings are ‘shocking’ and show that more needs to be done to ensure young drivers are safe on the roads.

The road safety charity is calling for the introduction of a comprehensive Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system across the UK.

This system would include a 12-month learner period, an initial test, and then a two-year novice period when drivers can drive independently but with restrictions – such as a late-night driving curfew.

Joshua Harris, director of campaigns for Brake, said: “It’s shocking that so many new drivers are racking up enough penalty points to have their licences revoked so soon after passing their test, in particular those in the 17-24 age bracket.

“It clearly demonstrates that we need to make our licensing system more robust so that when a driver passes their test, they have all the necessary tools and knowledge to drive safely on all roads and in all conditions.

“The Government’s announcement that they will explore the issue of GDL further is welcome.

“Swift and decisive action must, however, be taken to introduce GDL across the UK, as a priority to ensure new drivers have the skills and experience they need and to end the tragedy of young people dying on our roads.”

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