More than half (57%) of motorists back the introduction of graduated driving licences (GDL) to help newly qualified drivers gain experience safely.

One in five motorists think new drivers should be restricted to travelling within 50 miles from home for the first year

Research commissioned by Bridgestone also found that 50% think a ‘recently passed’ sign should be displayed for up to 12 months after passing as part of a GDL scheme, and a further 50% support a one-passenger limit for new drivers during their first year.

And 70% of motorists believing that tyre safety should be taught in the classroom before learning to drive.

Other statistics include 39% of motorists advocating that new drivers take a refresher course after passing, while 21% think new drivers should be restricted to travelling within 50 miles from home for the first six to 12 months.

The study shows strong public support for new road safety measures to better protect young drivers after passing their tests.

Many of the 2,000 respondents believe additional education and structured support are key to reducing road risks once young motorists move beyond their L-plates.

The Government recently said it has no plans to implement a graduated driver licensing system for young drivers despite calls from road safety stakeholders and bereaved parents.

Instead, Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood said the Department for Transport was “exploring options to tackle the root causes of the issue without unfairly penalising young drivers”.

Bridgestone’s results highlight a clear demand for more structured support and education for novice drivers, not least when factoring in that three in five young drivers admit to never checking their tyres, according to additional research from TyreSafe.

Bridgestone’s UK senior marketing manager Helen Roe commented: “Our findings reinforce the importance of road and tyre safety education, particularly amongst young drivers who might be at greater risk on roads in the initial period of passing their driving test. It’s clear that motorists want better preparation for new drivers – and tyre safety plays a crucial role in reducing accidents and keeping roads safer.”