This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-24485792

The article has changed 7 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Driving test age rise considered for teenagers Driving test age rise considered for teenagers
(about 7 hours later)
Teenagers could have to wait a year longer than currently before they are allowed to take their driving test.Teenagers could have to wait a year longer than currently before they are allowed to take their driving test.
The government is considering issuing only 12-month probationary licences at the age of 18 in a bid to cut accidents involving young motorists.The government is considering issuing only 12-month probationary licences at the age of 18 in a bid to cut accidents involving young motorists.
New drivers would also face a curfew between 22:00 and 05:00 unless a passenger aged over 30 was in the car.New drivers would also face a curfew between 22:00 and 05:00 unless a passenger aged over 30 was in the car.
Ministers are due to publish proposals in a Green Paper following a report by the Transport Research Laboratory.Ministers are due to publish proposals in a Green Paper following a report by the Transport Research Laboratory.
'Improving safety''Improving safety'
It recommended a one-year "learner stage" during which drivers would have to total at least 100 hours of daytime and 20 hours of night-time practice under supervision.It recommended a one-year "learner stage" during which drivers would have to total at least 100 hours of daytime and 20 hours of night-time practice under supervision.
During this stage, drivers under the age of 30 would also be banned from carrying any passengers also under 30.
Other proposals under consideration are a ban on all mobile phone use, including hands-free phones, and a lower alcohol limit.
Statistics show that more than a fifth of deaths on British roads in 2011 involved drivers aged 17-24.Statistics show that more than a fifth of deaths on British roads in 2011 involved drivers aged 17-24.
A Department for Transport spokesman said: "Young drivers drive around 5% of all the miles driven in Britain but are involved in about 20% of the crashes where someone is killed or seriously injured.A Department for Transport spokesman said: "Young drivers drive around 5% of all the miles driven in Britain but are involved in about 20% of the crashes where someone is killed or seriously injured.
"We are committed to improving safety for young drivers and reducing their insurance costs - that is why we are publishing a Green Paper later in the year setting out our proposals."We are committed to improving safety for young drivers and reducing their insurance costs - that is why we are publishing a Green Paper later in the year setting out our proposals.
"This will include a discussion about how people learn to drive."This will include a discussion about how people learn to drive.
"The research report has been produced by the Transport Research Laboratory under commission by the Department for Transport and it, amongst other things, has informed the Green Paper.""The research report has been produced by the Transport Research Laboratory under commission by the Department for Transport and it, amongst other things, has informed the Green Paper."
'Public outcry''Public outcry'
Stephen Glaister, director of the RAC Foundation motoring research charity, welcomed the proposals.Stephen Glaister, director of the RAC Foundation motoring research charity, welcomed the proposals.
He said: "Young people are four times more likely to die in a road accident than as a result of drink or drugs.He said: "Young people are four times more likely to die in a road accident than as a result of drink or drugs.
"Yet, as a society we seem to turn a blind eye to the carnage. If this was any other area of public health there would be an outcry."Yet, as a society we seem to turn a blind eye to the carnage. If this was any other area of public health there would be an outcry.
"This is about ensuring their long-term safety and mobility. Not curtailing it.""This is about ensuring their long-term safety and mobility. Not curtailing it."
Edmund King, president of motoring organisation the AA, said: "There are many proposals in the report with merit and which are advocated by the AA. Edmund King, president of motoring organisation the AA, said the proposals were addressing the problem of young drivers in the "wrong way".
"However, at the extreme end this report could be seen as just recommending taking novice drivers off the road by regulation and restriction rather than helping them develop the right attitudes and skills to provide them with the mobility they need." "You should prepare young drivers to be safe when they get their licence rather than give them their licence and then restrict them," he told BBC's Breakfast.
Currently drivers need to pass a theory test, then a practical test before they can apply for a full driving licence. The minimum age to hold a full car licence is 17, or 16 for some people claiming mobility benefit. He said he would like to see mandatory lessons on motorways, in rural areas and in bad weather, and warned of the problems of policing the restrictions such as carrying young passengers.
Currently drivers in England, Scotland and Wales need to pass a theory test, then a practical test before they can apply for a full driving licence. The minimum age to hold a full car licence is 17, or 16 for some people claiming mobility benefit.