Motor news - Car insurance for young drivers could cost less with new licence

Car insurance news - Graduated licence suggested for young drivers

Deputy Chief Constable Suzette Davenport, of Northamptonshire Police, has suggested that holders of car insurance for young drivers should participate in a ‘graduated' licence scheme immediately after passing their driving test.

Under the scheme, it would be compulsory for new drivers to display the ‘P' plate – the plate, which stands for ‘probationer', is currently optional for first time motorists.

Other changes would include limits on how many passengers a young driver may carry and driving on motorways or during night time would be forbidden. Ms Davenport would also like to see stricter action taken against those caught using mobile phones behind the wheel and a complete ban on motorists consuming any alcohol before driving.

After adhering to the stricter driving rules of a graduated licence for a measured period of time, drivers would then be eligible for a full licence.

Although Ms Davenport has admitted that young drivers are unlikely to welcome the new rules, she has suggested that they would appreciate the cheaper car insurance quotes which experts have predicted would result from the restrictions.

Ms Davenport is in charge of roads policing at the Association of Chief Police Officers and has stated that she will raise the idea of graduated driving licences with Ministers at the Department for Transport next month.

Ms Davenport has also suggested that holders of car insurance for young drivers should be required to take extra lessons on motorway driving in a bid to reduce road accidents involving inexperienced motorists.