Learner drivers in England and Wales could face a minimum period of up to six months between sitting their theory and practical tests.
The government will unveil the measure, which will be subject to consultation, as part of its wider road safety strategy launched today.
The strategy will include proposals for a lower drink-driving limit in England and Wales, to bring them in line with Scotland.
The shake-up of driving laws is aimed at reducing the number of people killed or badly injured on Britain’s roads by 65% over the next decade, and by 70% for children under 16.
Around a fifth of all deaths or serious injuries from crashes involved a young car driver in 2024.
The government believes a minimum period between sitting the theory test and the practical test would help learner drivers develop their skills, including driving in different conditions.
The Department for Transport will consult on three or six months for the minimum learning period.
It would include any informal learning they may do with parents or guardians as well as formal lessons with a driving instructor.
Evidence from other countries suggests minimum learning periods could reduce collisions by up to 32%. Currently, learner drivers can take lessons from 17 and book a practical test as soon as they have passed a theory exam.
The majority of driving tests in Britain are taken by under-25s. In 2024-25, about 55% of tests were taken by drivers aged 17-24.
Learner drivers currently face a waiting time of around six months to take their practical tests anyway, due to a backlog from the Covid pandemic. The backlog is expected to last until late 2027.
The proposed changes could see an end to teenagers passing their tests days after turning 17, meaning the youngest drivers would be at least 17 and a half.
