It is widely recognized that the UK driving test teaches learner drivers a comprehensive set of driving skills and prepares them well for driving solo on UK roads. The skills and knowledge needed to pass the theory test and the practical driving test are enough to ensure all new drivers have the skills to stay safe whilst driving. However, what the driving test cannot give new drivers is experience. New research shows that experience, as well as age and whether the driver is male or female are the main factors in determining how likely a driver is to find themselves involved in a road traffic accident.

The research reveals that the young, inexperienced driver has a far greater risk of being involved in a significant road traffic accident than a driver who is over the age of twenty five. And of course if the young driver is male then he is twice as likely to be involved in a significant road traffic accident than a young female driver. So, and this will come as no surprise, the most at risk group of drivers on the road are young, male drivers.

Statistics also indicate that young drivers are more likely to die or suffer significant injuries in a car crash when the following factors are present

If the car the young driver is driving is a model over ten years old and has low Euro NCAP crash protection.

If the car is carrying three or more occupants.

If the accident occurs on either a Friday or Saturday night.

If the road the crash takes place on is a class C or unclassified road.

In single vehicle crashes involving no other road users.

When running off the road and crashing into a object such as a tree or lamp post.

When skidding out of control.

In poor weather condition such as fog, mist or rain.

On roads that are wet when the weather at the time of the crash is good.

On bends, particularly on rural roads.

To counter the risks inexperienced driver face, and the risks to other road users, voices have been heard calling for newly qualified drivers to face driving restrictions i.e. to enforce a maximum number of passengers they can carry at any one time or even the introduction of driving curfews. Such restrictions however would be difficult to enforce and unfair as most new drivers are safe and law abiding.

One wise proposal is to encourage young drivers to take the Pass Plus driving course. This course is a follow on to the basic driving test which takes the driving skills of the driver to a more advanced level. It consists of six training sessions:

Driving in town, safe driving in all weather conditions, driving on rural roads, driving at night, driving on dual carriageways and driving on motorways.

Although there is no test or exam to pass once the course is complete the course is a way for inexperienced, newly qualified drivers to gain valuable driving experience which should make them safer, more confident drivers.