“The international evidence clearly shows that graduated driving licensing works, reducing the prospect of fatal collisions involving young people. “As Northern Ireland takes forward a pilot, I would urge the UK Government to give Scotland the same opportunity. The paramedic also supports fitting black box devices to the cars of new drivers, to monitor their speed, driving style and the hours they are driving, with a further temporary restriction on driving late at night for new motorists. Canada witnessed a more than 80% reduction in deaths in 16 to 19-year-old drivers after it brought in graduated driving licences. “That’s why we’re not introducing blanket restrictions on new drivers, such as limits on passengers or night‑time driving.

Source: The Herald February 16, 2026 15:44 UTC