TyreSafe has relaunched its Young Driver Campaign, warning that two illegal tyres could be enough for a new driver to lose their licence.
The campaign aims to improve young driver tyre safety by helping learners and newly qualified drivers understand their legal responsibilities and the potentially serious consequences of neglecting tyre checks.
Six points can mean licence revocation
Driving with an unsafe or illegal tyre can result in a fine of up to £2,500 and three penalty points per tyre.
Under the New Drivers Act, motorists who accumulate six or more penalty points within two years of passing their first driving test will have their licence revoked. As a result, offences involving two illegal tyres could leave a newly qualified driver needing to reapply for a provisional licence and pass both tests again.
TyreSafe research suggests that 52% of drivers aged 17–24 do not realise they are responsible for the condition of the tyres on any vehicle they drive, even when the vehicle belongs to somebody else.
Building tyre checks into driver education
TyreSafe is promoting its ACT message:
- Air pressure – check pressures against the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations
- Condition – look for cuts, cracks, bulges and other damage
- Tread – check that tread depth is legal across the tyre
Driving instructors are encouraged to reinforce young driver tyre safety by incorporating these checks into lessons and helping pupils understand that vehicle responsibility extends beyond answering the ‘show me, tell me’ questions during a practical test.
Pupils should also be reminded to check any vehicle they intend to drive after passing, including cars belonging to parents, relatives or friends. Responsibility rests with the person driving, regardless of who owns the vehicle.
Resources available for trainers
The campaign will run across TyreSafe’s website and social media channels, supported by videos, infographics and step-by-step guides. Driving instructors, schools, colleges, police forces and road safety organisations are being encouraged to share the materials with young drivers.
TyreSafe Chair Stuart Lovatt said educating young road users about compliance could reduce their risk of collisions, financial penalties and licence loss.
