Young drivers 'feel unsafe' on the roads

Question marks hang over the true value of the British driving test

Young drivers believe Britain's driving test leaves them feeling unsafe on the road, according to a study commissioned by an insurance company.

The Safety First report published by Norwich Union Direct shows that three in five young drivers said the exam failed to test their skills and competence in everyday driving situations.

New drivers can feel unnerved by poor weather

It has also emerged that few young drivers knew about the government's Pass Plus initiative which offers newly-qualified motorists six extra lessons in motorway, night and bad weather conditions.

The study of 300 drivers in the UK aged between 17 and 24 revealed that:

• One newly-qualified driver in three was not confident when driving on the motorway
• One new driver in five did not feel uneasy when driving in the rain
• Three in five knew someone of their age who had been killed or injured in an accident
• Two in five said they have been involved in an accident themselves.

Patrick Smith, of Norwich Union Direct, said: "The common perception of young newly-qualified drivers is that they are arrogant and full of bravado when behind the wheel.

"Surprisingly, this survey shows that many young drivers actually feel very nervous and ill-equipped to cope with normal driving situations."

The company is now donating £1 of the insurance premium paid by drivers aged 17 to 20 to further promote Pass Plus and safe driving in general.

Poor take-up for Pass Plus

Pass Plus was introduced in 1995 as a voluntary scheme to encourage young drivers to improve their skills.

Insurance companies registered with the scheme offer a discount as an incentive. But the take-up rate has been disappointing - about 2% of successful test candidates.

Most young drivers have never heard of the scheme which offers newly qualified drivers six extra lessons in motorway and dual carriageway driving, night driving and driving in bad weather.

The lessons are not free and a driving instructor can refuse to issue a completion certificate if they are not happy with a student's performance.

Those who have taken the lessons believe they are well worth the extra cash. "It just gives you more confidence," said Giles Leeming, a 17-year-old student from Northamptonshire. "With an instructor with you it makes you feel better about the situation."