Unlicensed driving is widespread. There were almost 380,000 proceedings in 1996 and estimates from a variety of sources suggest that perhaps only I in 6 unlicensed drivers are prosecuted each year. With skilled interviewers it is relatively easy to find and talk to people who are driving unlicensed or have done so in the past. There appears little social stigma from this offence. Of unlicensed drivers brought to court, around 1 3 per cent have been disqualified. The great majority are provisional licence holders driving without a full licence, not displaying L plates or being accompanied by a qualified person. Unlicensed driving is closely linked to uninsured driving. There were more than 500,000 proceedings for uninsured driving in 1996. From an analysis of a sample of Northumbria Police data, around 90 per cent of unlicensed drivers were also uninsured. Unlicensed drivers who are prosecuted are predominantly male and young. Northumbria Police data show 90 per cent of prosecutions are against males, of whom approximately three quarters are aged 30 or under and one third are under 21. However, interviews suggest that the problem may be more widespread. Unlicensed drivers appear to come from all social groups. Access to a parent's car seems to be a facilitating factor. Interviews with 50 unlicensed drivers and 20 Approved Driving instructors revealed some interesting pointers as to motives, but due to the small sample these features are only indicative: (i) unlicensed drivers appear to have a high opinion of their driving skills; (ii) unlicensed drivers are more likely to agree with statements supporting aggressive driving styles; (iii) some take the theory test early and have an unrealistic assessment of their ability to pass the practical test in the time available; (iv) difficulties some have with the theory test (perhaps linked to literacy) also appear to lead to unlicensed driving; (v) the cost of tests and lessons deter some and leads to unlicensed driving; and (vi) the risk of being caught and the perceived low penalties are poor deterrents. There is no evidence available to link unlicensed driving with disproportionate accident risk. It is unknown whether unlicensed driving leads to more road accidents than a similar amount and mix of driving by licensed but otherwise similar drivers. (Author/publisher)
Samenvatting