New government proposals to improve driver training

The government expects car insurance costs to come down thanks to new proposals aimed at improving the safety of new drivers.

The government is planning a raft of changes which would see new drivers receive better training.

This would also have the knock-on effect of lowering car insurance costs for young drivers.

Currently younger drivers have higher premiums than all other age groups because of their increased risk of being involved in a road accident.

Department for Transport statistics show that 20 per cent of the people killed or seriously injured on Britain's roads in 2011 were involved in collision where one of the drivers was aged between 17 and 24.

A minimum learning period before young drivers can take their driving test. Other measures include enabling learners to take lessons on motorways, in poor weather conditions, and at night. Extend the probationary period from two to three years for a new driver's licence to be revoked if they receive six or more penalty points. Making the driving test more rigorous to better prepare learners to drive unsupervised. Incentives for young drivers to take up additional training after passing their test

The proposals were unveiled at a summit for the motor insurance industry, hosted by the Department for Transport.

Representatives from the Ministry of Justice, Driving Standards Agency and a number of insurers, including Admiral and Aviva, were also present.

The proposals are outlined in a government Green Paper - a preliminary report of government proposals published to stimulate discussion.

The Green Paper could contain further temporary restrictions on newly-qualified drivers. All will be revealed when it is published later this spring.

Campaigners, including road safety charity Brake and the Association of British Insurers, have long called for a new system of graduated driver licensing to be introduced in the UK.

This graduated licensing scheme would impose certain restrictions new motorists aged under 25 during their first six months on the road.

These would include a ban on driving between 11pm and 4am, unless travelling to work or place of education; a zero blood-alcohol limit; and restrictions on the number of passengers that can be carried.

In October last year, road safety minister Stephen Hammond told Confused.com there were no plans to introduce graduated licensing in England and Wales.

But it seems the government has had a change of heart.

Speaking at the summit, transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin said improving safety in young drivers is "a real priority".

He added: "This will not only reduce casualties, but should also mean a reduction in the sky-high insurance premiums they pay.

"I have been clear that I want to see insurance premiums reflecting conditions, performance and risks on the road.

"We have already done much as a government to address the concerns around motor insurance.

"But more still needs to be done before young drivers feel satisfied they are getting value for money."

In addition to the measures outlined above, the government is also considering improving the training of driving instructors.

Information would also be made available to parents and young drivers on what to look for when choosing an instructor, as well as evidence on the most risky behaviours and how to avoid them.

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) welcomed the government's proposals.

Otto Thoresen, director general of the ABI, said: "We have long campaigned to change the way young people learn how to drive in order to reduce death and injury on the roads, and make young drivers safer.

"If the Government implemented the ABI's proposals, lives would be saved and the cost of car insurance for young drivers could reduce by 15 to 20 per cent."

Road safety charity the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) said the government's proposals were a "once in a generation opportunity to help new drivers survive the crucial first six months of driving".

Neil Greig, director of policy and research at the IAM, said: "We want to see a system that embeds continuous learning for all new drivers.

"Once basic skills are learned under supervision they can gain the solo driving experience they need as safely as possible.

"It makes no sense that the current system abandons new drivers after the test to learn by their often fatal mistakes."

Whether you're a new driver, a young driver, a parent or a driving instructor, we want to hear what you think of the government's proposals.

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