🚗 A Safer Road Ahead: What the UK’s New Road Safety Plans Mean for Learner Drivers
- Dan Murphy ADI
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
The UK Government has launched its first national Road Safety Strategy in over 10 years, led by the Department for Transport (DfT) and supported by the DVSA. The aim is clear: make Britain’s roads safer for everyone, with a target to reduce road deaths and serious injuries by 65% by 2035.
A big part of this strategy focuses on new and young drivers, recognising that the learning phase is one of the most important times to build safe driving habits for life.
📘 What Is the Minimum Learning Period (MLP)?
One of the key proposals currently under consultation is the introduction of a Minimum Learning Period (MLP) for learner drivers.
At the moment, learners can book their practical test as soon as they’ve passed their theory test. Under the proposed MLP, learners would need to complete a minimum amount of learning time (likely several months) before being allowed to take their practical test.
The idea is to ensure learners gain:
More real-world driving experience
Practice in different road and traffic conditions
Better preparation for independent driving after passing
The consultation also looks at options such as:
Minimum supervised driving hours
A structured learning syllabus
Recording practice in a logbook
The goal isn’t to make learning harder — it’s to make new drivers safer and more confident when they’re out on the road alone.
🧠 What Does This Mean for Learners?
If introduced, an MLP could mean:
More time to develop skills without pressure
Better long-term road safety
Fewer collisions involving new drivers
At Murphys Driving Tuition, we already focus on quality learning and helping drivers become safe for life. Not just for test. If you learn to drive the test is easy. And many of our passed learners would agree.
🗣️ Have Your Say
These changes are not final — and the government wants to hear from learner drivers, parents, instructors, and the wider public.
👉 You can share your views by taking part in the consultation here:
Your opinion could help shape how people learn to drive in the UK for years to come.
Dan Murphy
Grade A DVSA Approved Driving Instructor (Car)
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