Young drivers 'without insurance'

About 20% of young driver have driven after drinking alcohol

Nearly one-in-five young people in London and the South East have driven without a licence, a survey from road safety charity Brake has shown.

About 20% have driven after drinking alcohol and one-in-six has been a passenger in a car driven by a driver on drink or drugs.

Brake wants graduated driver licensing so there is a provisional period where new drivers have restrictions.

It also wants compulsory road safety education in schools for all ages.

The survey of 301 15-25 year-olds across London and the South East also found 13% has been a passenger with a driver who they knew was unlicensed, uninsured, or who had stolen the car .

Even if you feel confident behind the wheel, you're never immune to the potentially life-shattering consequences of taking risks on our roads Brake's Cathy Keeler

Cathy Keeler, the charity's head of campaigns, said: "Every week in London and the South East, more families and communities suffer tragic deaths and injuries caused by risk-taking young drivers.

"Yet road deaths and injuries are preventable - through young people taking more responsibility for their actions on roads, and through a combined effort by parents, communities and our government to help young drivers stay safe."

Ms Keeler said all young people in the region should commit to staying within speed limits, not driving on drink or drugs and using seat belts.

"Even if you feel confident behind the wheel, you're never immune to the potentially life-shattering consequences of taking risks on our roads," she added.

The figures have been released for Road Safety Week.