Motorists could face tougher practical tests and driving rules amid major safety concerns

Drivers called on to practice tests in dark and poor weather conditions

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Hemma Visavadia

By Hemma Visavadia


Published: 23/06/2024

- 13:09

One fifth of all casualties from collisions involved a young car driver

Experts have called for drivers to have tougher practical tests before they can be allowed onto UK roads.

The extra measures include being tested on driving in dark and poor weather conditions.


One expert has stated testing learners in all weather and road conditions will increase safety and reduce the likelihood of collisions on the roads.

The call for tougher conditions comes as around a fifth of all killed or seriously injured casualties from collisions involved a young car driver.

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40 per cent of young British drivers will have been involved in a road crash by the time they are 23

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By age 23, data showed that nearly 40 per cent of young British drivers will have been involved in a road crash.

To drive in the UK motorists must pass a theory and a practical test which usually lasts around 40 minutes.

During the practical test, motorists will be asked to drive independently, reverse the vehicle and show their general driving ability in various road and traffic conditions except motorways.

However, many European countries require new motorists to know how to drive in different conditions.

Swedish drivers must complete a compulsory drugs and narcotics course and a four-hour slippery road test which teaches them what to do if they lose control of their vehicle.

In Finland, it takes two years to obtain a full driving licence and learners must take mandatory “skidpan” sessions and night-driving courses.

Jake Smith, director of Absolute Reg, said: “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.”

Smith added that practical driving tests should be made tougher in the UK to improve the standard of driving for new motorists and ultimately reduce the number of young drivers involved in accidents.

He stated that Absolute Reg believes 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.

A petition launched earlier this year, called for the introduction of a “progressive licensing system” which would apply to young drivers under the age of 25.

As part of the petition, it included ensuring learners had a minimum period of 40 hours to help young drivers gain skills and experience on different roads under different conditions.

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Experts have called for tougher driving test rules

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It also called for new drivers to not carry passengers aged 25 and under for the first year and have restrictions on driving at night between midnight and 6am.

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