‘It’s my car – why should an under-21 not be allowed in it-‘

“Public transport is a nightmare,” 19-year-old Jack Pears told us, explaining why he relies on his car. Living in Swansea, he uses it to pick up his younger sister from school while their parents are at work. However, Jack noted that he could have faced challenges doing so had the AA’s recent proposal gone through.

This week, the AA advocated for new restrictions that would prohibit new drivers under 21 from carrying passengers of a similar age for six months after passing their driving test. This proposal comes in light of an inquest revealing that four teenage boys lost their lives in a car accident during a camping trip in Wales last year, which could have been prevented. Although the government seems unlikely to consider this change, the discussion has sparked significant debate among young people, many of whom feel the proposals are unjust.

Faye Cullum, a 16-year-old from Norfolk who is currently taking driving lessons designed for those under 17, expressed her frustration, saying, “If this rule came into place, it wouldn’t give me any motivation to drive at all. I want to drive because it gives me a lot more freedom.” She also questioned the logic behind restricting access to her car, saying, “If I’m paying for my car, the insurance, and the tax – why should they control who is allowed in it?”

Furthermore, some are raising questions about why older drivers aren’t subjected to similar scrutiny. According to the Department for Transport, 4,959 individuals suffered serious injuries or fatalities in accidents involving drivers under 25 last year, a significant decrease of 60% since 2004. In contrast, accidents involving drivers aged 70 and older resulted in 3,451 casualties last year, marking a 12% increase over the same period.

This generational discussion gained traction earlier this week when an inquiry determined that 91-year-old Edith Duncan, who has dementia, was unfit to drive when she tragically struck and killed three-year-old Xander Irvine in June 2020. The inquiry recommended that drivers over 80 undergo cognitive tests before renewing their licenses. Current rules allow those over 70 to renew their licenses every three years, provided they declare any cognitive issues, with a failure to do so potentially resulting in a £1,000 fine.

We approached the AA’s president, Edmund King, to delve deeper into the reasoning behind the push for more restrictions on young drivers without applying the same scrutiny to older motorists. He stated that the AA has already contemplated safety measures for older drivers, such as mandatory eye tests starting at age 70 and empowering GPs to flag concerns to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). However, he cautioned against creating rules that might isolate older individuals, who often rely on their vehicles for independence. “It’s about finding the right balance, just as it is with younger drivers,” he explained.

King acknowledged that some young people might be relieved by the absence of peer pressure to act as a taxi for their friends without licenses. He also referenced feedback from Australian teenagers who support similar restrictions in place there, citing that they appreciate having time to gain experience driving with parents or other adults before having friends in the car.

Josh Jones, 18, shared his perspective on the subject, saying, “In theory, I think it’s a good idea.” He recounted a recent loss, noting, “A few months ago, one of my high school friends died in a road accident. I don’t know how it happened, but maybe if a plan like this was in place, that wouldn’t have happened.”

While Josh sees some merit in the proposals, he believes exceptions should be made for emergencies or for families that struggle with transportation. He expressed concern that such policies may unfairly stereotype all young drivers, stating, “We’re not all reckless drivers.”

In addition to the under-21 passenger ban, the AA is advocating for newly graduated drivers to display “G” plates for their first six months on the road and to face penalties like points on their license for seatbelt violations, which, under current rules, could result in license suspension. King suggested that these measures could also lead to lower insurance premiums for new drivers.

The cost of insurance for young drivers has skyrocketed, with the average premium for an 18-year-old surpassing £3,000 annually, more than double what it was in 2022. Jack pointed out that these exorbitant costs are a significant barrier for many of his friends. “If you’re under 21, the quotes are ridiculous,” he said. “I already spent two grand on black box monitoring – why do I need extra precautions when I’m paying that much already?”

Black box devices can help young drivers lower their insurance costs by monitoring driving habits like speed and braking. However, Jack remains skeptical about the effectiveness of the proposed restrictions in enhancing road safety. “At the end of the day, it’s the person behind the wheel, not their age,” he concluded.