British motorists may have to pass “tougher” DVSA tests to get their hands on a driving licence under dramatic new plans to beef up exams.
Experts at Absolute Reg claim stricter tests would “improve the standard of driving” on the road and cut the number of younger inexperienced drivers killed or injured.
The motoring specialists want to see further tests introduced for nighttime driving. New checks would also be in place to make sure that new drivers can get behind the wheel in “turbulent weather”.
Jake Smith, director of Absolute Reg, admitted he took the idea from other European countries which have better safety records than the UK.
He explained: “Unfortunately the combination of being young and a new driver can be deadly, and it is shocking that by age 23, nearly 40 per cent of young British motorists will have been involved in an accident on the roads.
“New drivers are at a higher risk of crashing because of inexperience and the inability to spot hazards.
“Added risk factors include the fact most new drivers on Britain’s roads are young people, who tend to exhibit overconfidence leading to risky behaviour behind the wheel.
“Practical driving tests should be made tougher in the UK to improve the standard of driving in new motorists and ultimately reduce the number of young drivers involved in accidents.”
Over 70 per cent of those passing driving tests in Great Britain are aged between 17 and 24.
Meanwhile, around one-fifth of all road users killed or seriously injured will involve a young driver.
Many European countries require additional tests so new motorists know how to drive in different conditions to make safer road users. Learner drivers in Sweden are forced to complete a compulsory drugs and narcotics course as part of their test.
Candidates are also required to undergo a four-hour slippery road test which teaches road users how to control their vehicle if they lose control.
Prospective drivers in Finland must take mandatory skid-pan sessions to help with car control and even night-driving courses. Passing all the checks and receiving a full driving licence can take around two years.
Jake added: “Driving tests vary worldwide, but it is clear that those with better driving education have reduced traffic crashes and safer roads.
“We believe driving tests should include mandatory tests for driving in dark conditions and turbulent weather conditions so new motorists are prepared for everything when they are driving independently.”
