Government gears up to announce driver test reforms

Major changes in the way 'L' drivers are taught are expected to be announced by the Government later this week.

The changes, which would effectively result in the driving age being increased from 17 to 18, will be revealed in a Driving Standards Agency consultation document.

The long-awaited document will put forward a series of initiatives designed to reduce the number of newly qualified drivers involved in road crashes.

Speculation on what the proposals will include revolves around:

• A ban on parents teaching their children to drive
• Compulsory lessons from a Government-approved instructor
• An extended 'L' test period that would in effect mean that young drivers could not obtain a full licence until they are 18
• A tougher driving test

However, suggestions that young drivers could face a zero drink-drive limit, a night-time curfew and a limit on how many passengers they car in their cars are unlikely to be included in the proposals.

There has also been speculation that a 16.5% rise in the cost of a driving test to £56.50 with the theory test increasing by 5.3% to £30 on April 1 could deter youngsters from taking the exams thus increasing the numbers of unlicensed, uninsured and untaxed drivers. (Daily Telegraph/The Times: May 3/Daily Mail: May 5).