Motorists face stricter DVSA driving tests under new safety proposals

British drivers could face more rigorous DVSA tests to obtain their driving licence, as new proposals aim to enhance test standards. Absolute Reg experts suggest that stricter testing would elevate driving quality and decrease accidents involving young and inexperienced motorists.

The vehicle registration company is advocating for additional assessments, including nighttime driving tests and checks for competence in adverse weather conditions. Jake Smith, the director of Absolute Reg, has taken inspiration from European countries with superior safety records compared to the UK.

He said: "Unfortunately the combination of being young and a new driver can be deadly, and it is shocking that by age 23, nearly 40 per cent of young British motorists will have been involved in an accident on the roads," reports the Express.

"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."

Statistics show that over 70 per cent of successful driving test candidates in Great Britain are between 17 and 24 years old. Meanwhile, statistics show that approximately one in five people killed or seriously injured on the roads are involved in incidents with a young driver.

In many European countries, additional tests are mandatory to ensure new drivers can handle various driving conditions, ultimately creating safer road users. For instance, learner drivers in Sweden must complete a compulsory course on drugs and narcotics as part of their driving test.

They are also required to take a four-hour test on slippery roads, which educates them on vehicle control during loss of traction. In Finland, it's compulsory for prospective drivers to attend skid-pan training sessions for car control and to undertake night-driving courses. The process to obtain a full driving licence can extend up to two years.

Jake commented: "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."