Jarrod

Jarrod Partridge is the founder of Motoring Chronicle and an FIA accredited journalist with over 30 years of experience following motorsport and the global automotive industry. A member of the AIPS International Sports Press Association, Jarrod has covered Formula 1 races and automotive events at venues around the world, bringing first-hand insight to every race report, car review, and industry analysis he writes. His work spans the full breadth of motoring — from the latest EV launches and road car reviews to the cutting edge of motorsport competition.

Freedom or safety for young drivers? UK can and must deliver both, says GEM 11/05/2026 SHARE: Images are for editorial use only. Experts gathering at Young Driver Focus in London on 13 May to press for action, not further delay Young drivers remain disproportionately at risk, with preventable deaths continuing on UK roads International evidence shows graduated driver licensing can cut crashes by up to 40% GEM Motoring Assist will return to the RAC Club, London, on 13 May as headline sponsor of Young Driver Focus 2026, renewing calls for decisive action to improve protection for newly-qualified drivers. Despite years of evidence and advocacy, the UK has yet to introduce a comprehensive system of graduated driver licensing (GDL) - a move GEM and other road safety groups say is costing young lives. GEM head of road safety James Luckhurst said: “We are long past the point of asking whether we should act. The evidence is overwhelming, and the consequences of delay are measured in lives lost and families devastated.” GDL is a phased approach that allows new drivers to gain experience under lower-risk conditions before progressing to full driving privileges. Common measures include limits on late-night driving and restrictions on carrying same-age passengers during the months after passing the test. International research consistently shows crash reductions of between 20% and 40% where GDL systems are in place. In some regions of Canada, reductions in young driver deaths have exceeded 80%. In the UK, drivers aged 17 to 24 account for around 20% of road deaths, despite making up just 7% of licence holders. Inexperience, distraction and overconfidence remain key risk factors - precisely the issues GDL is designed to address. GEM stresses that a well-designed system supports rather than penalises young people, and a recent TRL review1 found no significant negative impact on access to education, employment or social activity. GEM supports a system that extends structured learning, reduces known high-risk conditions and allows young drivers to build skills progressively and safely. GEM head of road safety James Luckhurst said: “We do many things well in the UK, particularly in driver training, but the current system offers too little structured support once someone passes the test. That’s where the real risk begins. “The choice is simple: continue with a system we know is failing too many young people, or take proven steps that will save lives. Doing nothing is not a neutral position - it is a decision with consequences… and Young Driver Focus offers a chance to translate the latest insight into real-world action.”

Young Drivers Make Up 7% Of Licence Holders But Nearly 20% Of Those Killed Or Seriously Injured

In 2024, 273 people were killed in collisions involving young ...
05/11/2026 By Jarrod

Skoda Has Added A New Karoq Trim That Costs £650 More Than The Standard Car But Adds Heated Seats, Sat Nav And 18 Inch Alloys

The Skoda Karoq is the brand's best-selling model in the ...
05/11/2026 By Jarrod
Young caucasian man stressed driving car at street

Depression, Anxiety, And PTSD Can All Impair Your Ability To Drive. Here Is What Three Experts Say You Should Know

Around one in four people will experience a mental health ...
05/11/2026 By Jarrod

A 1,065 HP V12 With Three Electric Motors, No Roof And A Top Speed Above 211 mph. This Is The Lamborghini Fenomeno Roadster

Lamborghini has unveiled the most powerful open-top car it has ...
05/11/2026 By Jarrod

The Government Wants To Test Your Eyes At 70, Fit Breathalysers To Cars And Lower The Drink Drive Limit

Two government consultations that could reshape driving in Britain close ...
05/11/2026 By Jarrod

Wheels That Could Separate, Seats That Could Fail And Dashboards That Go Blank. Three Recalls Every Driver Should Know About

Three separate safety recalls landed in the past week covering ...
05/11/2026 By Jarrod
A potholed road in Harlow, England

Councils Reject 91% Of Pothole Claims. Here Is How To Claim And What Evidence You Need

Councils across England paid out close to £20 million in ...
05/09/2026 By Jarrod

A Four Door Electric Porsche Has Just Lapped The Nurburgring In 6:55

The Porsche Taycan Turbo GT with Weissach Package and the ...
05/08/2026 By Jarrod

Renault Has Put A Folding Canvas Roof On The Electric Renault 4

The original Renault 4 had a fabric roof you could ...
05/08/2026 By Jarrod

The OMODA 7 Plug In Hybrid Does 56 Miles On Electric, 700 Miles On A Full Tank And Costs £32,000

The OMODA 7 SHS-P has started arriving with customers across ...
05/08/2026 By Jarrod