Plan to boost skills of new drivers

12/05/2011

A proposal by a motoring group which aims to improve the driving skills of young motorists could also have the long-term benefit of reducing their car insurance premiums.

The Institute of Advanced Motorists said it is working with the Government to introduce a new system to improve the road skills of young drivers in the first 12 to 18 months after they pass the basic driving test.

While the main aim of the proposal is to cut the rate of serious road accidents involving young people, the scheme could also have a dramatic impact on the financial budgets of young drivers who might be struggling to make ends meet in the current financial climate.

Insurance companies might be willing to offer lower premiums to those who complete the training as their improved driving skills should help prevent them from having more accidents.

Among the training they would be offered under the scheme would be off-road lessons in handling vehicles in the wet, speed into corners and the impact of speed on stopping distances.