Campaigners renew calls for graduated driving licences

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 5 Nov, 06:22 · Archive

Campaigners in County Durham and North Yorkshire are pushing for graduated driving licences after Northern Ireland launches the scheme.

Campaigners across County Durham and North Yorkshire have renewed calls for Graduated Driving Licences (GDL) to be introduced nationally, after Northern Ireland became the first part of the UK to implement the scheme. The new rules came into effect on 1 October in Northern Ireland.

Under the GDL scheme, learner drivers and motorcycle riders must complete a minimum six-month learning period and follow a structured training programme with a logbook. They must pass a theory test before progressing to their practical test. New drivers enter a two-year restricted period and are required to display R plates.

For the first six months after passing their test, drivers under 24 face restrictions on carrying passengers aged 14 to 20 between 11pm and 6am, though exemptions apply for immediate family members and when accompanied by an experienced driver. Nicola Bell-Percy, from Jervaulx, North Yorkshire, has been campaigning for GDLs after her son Aaron Bell, 18, died in a road accident in 2022 when the driver of his vehicle hit a tree. She said of Northern Ireland's move: 'It's bittersweet news that a country near to ours is adopting these laws. It gives us a glimmer of hope that it could one day be brought in England.'

Campaigners renew calls for graduated driving licences — Image: Darlington & Stockton Times

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How it is being reported

Durham and North Yorkshire campaigners renew calls for graduated driving licencesCounty Durham and North Yorkshire campaigners renew calls for UK Graduated Driving Licences, citing road safety, after Northern Ireland launches GDL rules.Darlington & Stockton Times · 5 Nov, 06:00
Durham and North Yorkshire campaigners renew calls for graduated driving licencesCounty Durham and North Yorkshire campaigners renew calls for UK Graduated Driving Licences, citing road safety, after Northern Ireland launches GDL rules.The Northern Echo · 4 Nov, 17:30

In this story: Northern Ireland · County Durham · North Yorkshire · Nicola Bell-Percy · Aaron Bell · Joshua Chapman

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