Despite representing less than 10% of all drivers, motorists aged 17-25 are now responsible for 38% of dangerous driving endorsements.

These are the conclusions of new data from IAM RoadSmart.

Since 2021, more than 6,300 drivers in this age group have received DD40 endorsements (issued for dangerous driving) on their licenses.

It highlights the disproportionate involvement of younger drivers in reckless driving incidents.

Rising trend

Data obtained through a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to the DVLA reveals that in 2021, 1,585 drivers aged 17-25 received DD40 endorsements, accounting for 27% of all such penalties.

By 2023, this number had increased to 1,928, with the proportion of endorsements rising to 36%.

A year on young drivers accounted for 38% of all dangerous driving endorsements, showing a worrying upward trend.

In comparison, drivers aged 26-65, who make up the bulk of full licence holders, saw their proportion of DD40 endorsements fall from 72% in 2021 to 60% by mid-2024.

Drivers aged over 66 made up just 1% of dangerous driving penalties during this period.

 

 

Dangerous Driving Offences and Consequences

A DD40 endorsement is issued for driving that falls significantly below the standard expected of a competent driver, including reckless behaviours such as speeding, overtaking dangerously, or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The penalties can range from three to eleven points on a driver’s licence, and the endorsement remains on the licence for four years from the date of conviction.

Notably, the youngest individual with a DD40 endorsement between 2021 and 2024 was just 13 years old, while the oldest was 94.

Concerning Behaviors Among Young Drivers

Research commissioned by IAM RoadSmart reveals concerning attitudes towards road safety among younger drivers.

A survey of 1,000 drivers aged 18-26 found that over a third admitted to taking photos or filming while driving, and nearly 10% confessed to racing friends on public roads.

These behaviours contribute to the high rate of crashes among young drivers.

According to the Department of Transport, one in five drivers crashes within their first year of driving, with nearly 5,000 people killed or seriously injured in incidents involving young drivers in 2022.

 

Calls for Action and Road Safety Improvements

IAM RoadSmart is calling for urgent action to address these trends, including the introduction of a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system.

Extending the learning period for young drivers and introducing a probationary phase would, it is believed, help them gain valuable experience and develop safer driving habits.

The charity also suggests offering financial incentives, such as waiving insurance premium tax for drivers who complete GDL or similar advanced training programs.

Nicholas Lyes, Director of Policy and Standards at IAM RoadSmart, emphasized the need for improved training and accountability among young drivers:

“Something is clearly wrong with driving standards among younger motorists. They now account for over a third of dangerous driving endorsements despite making up a small fraction of licence holders. Graduated Driver Licensing should be considered as part of an updated road safety strategy to encourage better decision-making and responsibility on the roads.”

IAM RoadSmart also urges social media companies to remove content that promotes or glorifies dangerous driving behaviours, such as using mobile phones while driving.