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 now moves on to ensure that the
probationary period achieves its purpose in reducing death and injury by adding
the following measures.
Summary of Legislative Proposals
- Mandatory display of a probationary plate by all
novice drivers during the probationary period.
- 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.
- Minimum learning period with required training
elements to increase supervised practice.
- Mandatory motorway instruction, night driving &
skid control.
- Limits on the numbers of young passengers
carried,unless accompanied by
a mature adult
(over 21).
- Restriction to cars in lower insurance groups,
unless accompanied by a mature adult (over 21).
- Reduced blood-alcohol level.
- No towing of caravans or trailers without
further recognised training.
- A pilot-study of an "apprentissage" system
which combines compulsory professional instruction with controlled
supervision.
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.