Overall Aims of Learn and Live

• Increase public awareness of the unacceptably high accident rate among newly-qualified young drivers and their passengers.
• Lobby for effective legislation and education to influence the ATTITUDE and BEHAVIOUR of newly-qualified young drivers while protecting passengers travelling with this high-risk group.

The campaign was originally established in 1989 to prevent newly-qualified drivers from accompanying learners, legislation which is now incorporated into The Highway Code. In 1990 it focussed its attention on obtaining a 2-year probationary period for all newly-qualified drivers, promoting a separate written theory test and producing educational materials to highlight the responsibilities and vulnerability of novice drivers and their passengers. Other objectives subsequently achieved include Learner driver record books,mandatory hazard perception testing and recommendation of the green 'P' plate design by the Department for Transport.Other objectives subsequently achieved include Learner driver record books, mandatory hazard perception testing and recommendation of the green 'P' plate design by the Department for Transport.

Learn and Live moved on to lobby for a Graduated Driving Licence (GDL), similar to those in use in other developed countries. This is a staged process for achieving a full licence incorporating restrictions on risky situations known to increase the likelihood of a fatal crash. The evidence clearly proves the advantages of such a system.

Summary of Legislative Proposals

1. Mandatory display of a identifyings plates by all novice drivers during the probationary period associated with each stage of the GDL.
2. A Graduated Driving Licence with a FULL LICENCE achieved on successful completion of the 2-year probationary period. A test certificate would be issued on passing the practical driving test.
3. Minimum learning period with required training elements to increase supervised practice.
4. Mandatory motorway instruction, night driving & skid control during the later stages of a GDL.
5. Limits on the numbers of young passengers carried,unless accompanied by
   a mature adult (over 21).
6. Restriction to cars in lower insurance groups, unless accompanied by a mature adult (over 21).
7. Reduced blood-alcohol level.
8. No towing of caravans or trailers without further recognised training.

Summary of Non-Legislative Proposals

• Access to off-road instruction prior to taking to public roads.
• Purpose-built driving areas for pre-driver/learner training sessions.
• Further education and publicity aimed at parents and novice drivers on the relative risks in particular driving situations.
• The promotion of voluntary ‘P’ plate schemes country-wide in anticipation of the introduction of compulsory ‘P’ plates.