Skip advert
Advertisement

Government proposes driving test changes

New rules could improve safety for young drivers and lower premiums

New rules for young drivers

The Government is proposing a new set of rules for young drivers, in an attempt to improve road safety and help cut insurance premiums.

Among the new rules is a minimum learning period for drivers before they are permitted to sit their test, which is expected to be around one year. This means that drivers will have to wait until they’re 18 before being a fully qualified driver.

Advertisement - Article continues below

However, another idea currently being considered by ministers is to drop the age at which people can start to learn to 16 or 16 and six months, with the minimum learning period taking them to 17 or 17 and a half.

During the learning process, the Government also wants drivers to take lessons on motorways, during adverse weather conditions and even when it's dark for more real world learning.

The actual driving test could also be given a revamp to make it more rigorous and better prepare learners to drive on their own.

Once a driver has passed their test, the Government wants to extend the probationary period of drivers having their licences revoked if they get six or more points from two to three years.

Finally, young drivers will be offered incentives, in the form of insurance discounts, to take additional training after they’ve passed.

With 17-24 year olds involved in 25 per cent of death and serious injuries on the roads, ministers are hoping the changes could help reduce this number. Meanwhile the average annual insurance premium for an 18 year old is currently £1,853.

Do you think drivers should have to wait until they are 18 before being fully qualified? Or should people be allowed to start learning at 16? Let us know in the comments below.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Volkswagen T-Roc ride review: small SUV shows plenty of promise
Volkswagen T-Roc prototype - front

New Volkswagen T-Roc ride review: small SUV shows plenty of promise

We ride shotgun in the latest Volkswagen T-Roc, giving us a taste of what’s shaping up to be next year’s hottest small SUV
Road tests
16 Oct 2025
400bhp family SUVs have become common in the EV era, but they're completely pointless
Opinion - Volvo XC40 Recharge

400bhp family SUVs have become common in the EV era, but they're completely pointless

Editor Paul Barker thinks new car firms don't have heritage behind them, so power figures and straight line speed are an easy way to grab headlines
Opinion
15 Oct 2025
New Genesis GV60 Pure 2025 review: a capable EV that’s often overlooked
Genesis GV60 Pure - front tracking

New Genesis GV60 Pure 2025 review: a capable EV that’s often overlooked

The GV60 isn’t quite as popular as its Ioniq 5 and EV6 siblings, but perhaps it should be
Road tests
16 Oct 2025