Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) is a proven approach to reducing road casualties among young and novice drivers, yet its implementation in the UK remains uncertain. While international evidence demonstrates significant safety benefits, public and political acceptance remains a key challenge. Understanding how young people perceive GDL is crucial to shaping policies that are both effective and widely supported.

This presentation will share findings from a deliberative research study conducted by Ipsos for the RAC Foundation, exploring young people’s attitudes toward GDL. The study, involving 17-19-year-olds from diverse backgrounds, will examine their awareness of road risks, perceptions of GDL as a safety measure, and the factors influencing their support or opposition to GDL policies. Using structured workshops and scenario-based exercises, participants consider the benefits and trade-offs of key GDL measures, including minimum learning periods, passenger restrictions and penalty frameworks.

The study is currently underway and will be published in July 2025. This session will present key findings and practical recommendations for road safety professionals on engaging young drivers in discussions about GDL and enhancing public acceptability.
Incorporating young people’s perspectives is essential to designing GDL policies that are evidence-based, practical and publicly supported. This research will offer valuable insights into effectively communicating and implementing GDL, ensuring it balances safety objectives with public acceptance and practicality.

Dr Elizabeth Box, Research Director, RAC Foundation

Dr Elizabeth Box is a transport researcher, commissioner, and consultant with over two decades of experience in road safety, behavioural science, and transport policy. She has a strong track record of influencing national policy and delivering evidence-based interventions to improve road safety.

Elizabeth is the Research Director at the RAC Foundation, an independent charity researching road user issues, and the Director of ECM Research Solutions, a consultancy dedicated to developing and evaluating effective, research-driven road safety interventions. She is also a Behavioural Science Consultant at Co-Pilot, where she is involved in developing innovative, evidence-based road safety education.

Elizabeth holds a PhD in Transport Psychology and serves as an advisor to several road safety industry and government project boards. She is a Fellow of the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT), a technical champion for the organisation, and a judge for CIHT’s annual Road Safety Award. She also judges the Prince Michael International Road Safety Awards which recognise outstanding contributions to global road safety.