The Government is considering changes to driving lessons and the driving test, in an attempt to improve road safety and lower insurance premiums for younger drivers.
The proposals were announced at a summit for the motor insurance industry hosted by the Department for Transport.
A green paper looking at a range of options for improving new driver safety will be published later in the spring. Among the options being considered are:
- Introducing a minimum learning period before candidates are allowed to take their test
- Allowing learner drivers to drive on motorways and in adverse weather conditions
- Increasing the existing 'six points and you're out' probationary period for licence-holders from two to three years.
- Making the test more rigorous
- Increasing incentives for drivers to participate in addition training following their test
Speaking at yesterday's summit, Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: "It is alarming that a fifth of people killed or seriously injured on our roads in 2011 were involved in a collision where at least one driver was aged 17 to 24.
"Improving the safety of our young drivers is therefore a real priority and will not only reduce casualties but should also mean a reduction in the sky-high insurance premiums they pay."
