Huge Changes Proposed for Learner Drivers: Have Your Say!

Simon Harrison
Jan 7
2 min read

Huge Changes Proposed for Learner Drivers: Have Your Say!

The government has just published the first Road Safety Strategy in over a decade. As first reported by the BBC, these plans could fundamentally change how you get your driving licence.

At 4Front Driving School, we want to make sure our students, parents, and the Loughborough community are fully informed about these potential new rules.

What is the "Minimum Learning Period"?

The Department for Transport (DfT) is consulting on a Minimum Learning Period (MLP) for all learner drivers. The headline change, as revealed by the BBC, is a proposed 24-week (6-month) mandatory wait between passing your theory test and taking your practical driving test.

The main proposals include:

A 6-month mandatory wait between your theory and practical exams.
A 17-and-a-half age limit: This would effectively end the era of passing just days after turning 17.
A minimum number of learning hours and a mandated syllabus to ensure all learners cover specific skills.

Why is this being suggested?

The goal is to save lives. While 17–24 year olds make up only 6% of licence holders, they are involved in nearly a quarter of all fatal and serious collisions. Ministers believe these measures could reduce such collisions by up to 32%.

By enforcing a 6-month gap, the government wants to ensure learners gain experience in varied conditions—such as night driving, heavy traffic, and winter weather—rather than "cramming" for a quick pass.

A Comprehensive New Strategy

This isn't just about learners. The new strategy aims to reduce road deaths by 65% by 2035 through:

Stricter Drink-Driving Laws: Robust enforcement to protect all road users.
Older Drivers: Mandatory eye tests for those over 70.
Bot Crackdown: New laws to stop automated "bots" from snapping up and reselling test slots.

What does this mean for you right now?

Nothing has changed yet. These are proposals currently under consultation. However, the DVSA has already removed "average hours to pass" from their sites to discourage rushing.

At 4Front, we know everyone learns differently. We focus on building real confidence through Mindfulness and Driving techniques—helping students like Hannah, who recently passed her automatic test with us, stay calm and focused to get that brilliant result!