Over 80% of UK motorists want new drivers to demonstrate basic tyre knowledge when learning to drive and after passing their test according to Bridgestone research, with 57% also calling for graduated driving licences for young drivers.
Motorists are calling for the stronger measures to help keep newly qualified drivers safe on Britain’s roads, with 81% believing new drivers should fully understand issues such as correct tyre pressures, tread depths and the role of tyre pressure monitoring systems.
Bridgestone’s findings also reveal widespread backing for tougher roadside enforcement, with 67% of motorists saying tyre safety checks should form part of routine police traffic stops, reflecting growing concern about the role that poorly maintained tyres can play in serious road collisions.
Responsibility doesn’t stop with individual motorists either, with more than three-quarters (76%) believing that employers should do more to ensure tyres are safe and correctly maintained on vehicles used for work-related journeys, irrespective of whether employees drive a company car or their own private vehicle. And 78% also called for dedicated tyre safety education for youngsters, before they even learn to drive.
The results come on the back of recently released figures from the Department for Transport, which highlight the growing consequences of poor tyre maintenance on Britain’s roads. According to the department’s Reported Road Casualties Great Britain Final Results 2025 report, the number of people killed or seriously injured (KSI) in collisions involving illegal, defective or underinflated tyres rose by 19% year on year, increasing from 169 in 2024 to 201 in 2025.
Overall, there were 667 casualties resulting from tyre-related incidents during 2025, up 14% from 585 the previous year, while the number of collisions involving defective tyres increased to 447. The figures underline the importance of regular tyre checks and greater tyre safety awareness, particularly among newly qualified drivers who are still developing safe driving habits.
Bridgestone’s Helen Roe, Bridgestone UK, Senior Marketing Manager said: “The latest findings reinforce our belief that tyre safety should play a far greater role in helping young drivers develop safe driving habits from day one. Despite tyres being the only point of contact between a vehicle and the road, tyre maintenance remains one of the most overlooked aspects of vehicle safety.”
“We have seen some high profile cases of preventable road fatalities due to defective tyres and we can’t stress the importance of knowing the tyre basics and carrying out some simple checks, which can be done in a matter of minutes.”
Bridgestone’s 2026 survey builds on its 2025 research, which highlighted strong public support for additional safeguards aimed at newly qualified drivers. More than half (57%) backed the introduction of a Graduated Driving Licence, while half supported displaying a ‘recently passed’ sign for up to 12 months and limiting new drivers to carrying just one passenger during their first year behind the wheel.
A total of 39% believed newly qualified motorists should complete a refresher driving course after passing their test, while one in five (21%) supported restricting new drivers to travelling within a 50-mile radius of home during their first six to 12 months on the road.
Helen added: “Learning to drive doesn’t stop the day someone passes their test. Developing safe habits, including understanding how to check and maintain tyres, is an important part of becoming a confident and responsible driver.”
“It’s encouraging to see such strong public support for improving tyre safety education and ensuring motorists understand the importance of looking after the only part of the vehicle that actually touches the road. Simple checks can make a real difference to road safety, not only for new drivers but for everyone using our roads.”
The research supports Bridgestone’s ongoing ‘Be a Bridgestone Road Safety Hero’ campaign, which encourages motorists to carry out regular tyre checks and promotes simple maintenance advice to help reduce the risk of incidents caused by underinflated, damaged or excessively worn tyres.
The campaign forms part of Bridgestone’s wider E8 Commitment, specifically supporting its principles of Ease by giving motorists greater peace of mind through education and Extension by helping create safer, more sustainable mobility for all road users.
