The Government could save more than 400 road traffic accident deaths and serious injuries a year by bringing in graduated driver learning (GDL) for young motorists, says road safety charity Brake.
The group wants all learners to have to carry a novice licence for two years after passing an initial driving test.
During this period, they would not be allowed to drive on motorways - or at night (unless travelling directly between home and school/college or work) - or use large-engined cars.
Unless supervised, they would not be allowed to carry passengers younger than 25, to avoid the risks of distraction and showing off which make them more likely to crash. They would have a zero tolerance drink-drive limit of 20mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood.
They would have to take a second practical test at the end of their probationary period, during which they would need to have had 10 additional hours of professional tuition on motorway and night driving.
In a recent report, Brake says that nearly 90% of young UK drivers complete fewer than the recommended 40 hours of driving lessons before taking their present test. But, following the introduction of GDL in New Zealand, car crash injuries fell by 23% for 15-19 year olds and 12% for 20-24 year olds.
A 2014 survey by RAC Foundation found that 68% of UK adults, and 41% of young drivers support the idea.
