A number of influential government representatives and motoring groups have proposed changes to the current DVLA driving test. They claim that the current system is failing to prepare young drivers insurance holders for real world driving.
The Driving Instructors Association (DIA) believe that new motorists would benefit from motorway training. They are also keen to see the Pass Plus scheme incorporated into the driving test curriculum.
Cadence Driver Development has proposed a multi-levelled driver accreditation system, whereby student car insurance holders would have to acquire a two year restricted license. Subsequently they would have to take a more challenging test.
Edmund King, President of the AA, said that school and college students should be given more opportunity to learn about motoring. He would fully support a pre-driving test for youngsters, and the introduction of motorway driving to new driver courses.
Louise Ellman, Chair of the Transport Committee, said, "The government's claim that it does not wish to bear down on the responsible by introducing more stringent requirements on novice drivers is somewhat hollow if this stance contributes to higher premiums for young drivers, who are consequently unable to afford to drive."
In related news, the DIA has said that young driver insurance holders should have their eyesight tested at 10 year intervals. Currently, the law states that it is the responsibility of the motorist to self-certify that they aren't noticing loss of sight after their seventieth birthday, but some believe this ignores a section of the population who are driving whilst being unaware that their level of eyesight is insufficient.