'All' drivers in UK could face 'compulsory' drugs and narcotics course

New driving laws could hit the UK's roads after success in Europe. Driving law changes could see UK adopt European Union road rules that would impact millions of motorists, drivers and road users up and down the country.

There are calls for drivers to be tested in tough weather conditions and dark nights, with poor visibility, to help them get prepared better for the roads. Jake Smith, director of Absolute Reg, has called for European-style driving tests to be adopted across the UK to benefit road safety.

In Sweden, drivers are forced complete a compulsory drugs and narcotics course, as well as a four-hour slippery road test. This is believed to teach motorists what to do if they lose control of the vehicle.

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Smith said: "New drivers are at a higher risk of crashing because of inexperience and the inability to spot hazards. Added risk factors include the fact most new drivers on Britain's roads are young people, who tend to exhibit overconfidence leading to risky behaviour behind the wheel.

“Practical driving tests should be made tougher in the UK to improve the standard of driving in new motorists and ultimately reduce the number of young drivers involved in accidents." Smith concluded: "Driving tests vary worldwide, but it is clear that those with better driving education have reduced traffic crashes and safer roads.

“We believe driving tests should include mandatory tests for driving in dark conditions and turbulent weather conditions so new motorists are prepared for everything when they are driving independently." Annual road casualty statistics are published twice each year.

Provisional results are published in May for the first release of key statistics, and final detailed statistics are released in September. In-year estimates, providing provisional figures for the first half of the year, are usually published in November.