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Tougher driving test could mean cheaper young driver car insurance

The Government is recommending that driving tests be made more difficult in order to cut the number of young drivers killed and injured on the roads each year.

Whilst most people who have yet to pass will not welcome a harder driving test, the extra skills earned because of this move could also mean a reduction in young driver car insurance rates.

It has been proposed that the current practical driving test be split into two separate parts which would incorporate specific skills such as motorway driving, rural roads and driving at night time.

An additional change would be a requirement for a certain level of formal training before the young driver can take their test.

Stephen Ladyman, the Road Safety Minister, also suggested that learning to drive safely should start at a young age.

He commented: "We may need to start driver education while young people are still at school, introducing them to the rules, dangers and responsibilities for the road at a much earlier age.

"We have developed this attitude that you first learn to pass the test and then you learn to drive."

Mike Page, young driver car insurance expert for Hoot Car Insurance Services, said: "I don't think any learner drivers relish the thought of a more complicated test.

"However, if it can be shown to make people drive more safely, it may be worth it in terms of lives saved and cheaper motor insurance for young drivers."