The government believes a minimum period between sitting the theory test and the practical test would help learner drivers develop their skills, including driving in different conditions.
Currently, learner drivers can take lessons from 17 and book a practical test as soon as they have passed a theory exam.
But Catherine says introducing a mandatory waiting period would be pointless as the wait times for a driving test are already so long.
“Additionally, the prices of driving lessons can be very high. I am struggling to afford it… and with the cost of living being so high and the jobs crisis among young people, many people will not be able to afford six extra months of lessons,” she said.
She adds that while she understands younger people can be more irresponsible when driving, the rule would affect drivers of all ages but seems to be being drafted with “teenagers in mind.”
She believes policies sometimes “infantilise young people” by not really considering them adults “except when it’s convenient”, with “every problem being pinned on those between the ages of, say, 15-20”.
“People don’t have responsibility unless you give it to them,” she concludes.
“An 18-year-old can be a parent or a young carer – there are lots of reasons they need to start driving as soon as possible.”