LV= : Commons Transport Committee proposal on novice drivers

Commenting on the Commons Transport Committee proposal on novice drivers, Andrew Beard, Head of Business Development at LV= said: “17-year-old drivers are involved in more accidents than any other group, so this is a real and serious safety issue for all road users. However, it remains to be seen whether any increase in the minimum driving age would win widespread support from the motoring public.

“The issue here is lack of driving and road experience, and we can see considerable merit in some of the Committee’s proposals, which would curtail younger people’s driving behaviors. Novice drivers need to build up their experience with minimal distraction, so it makes sense to introduce initiatives such as a limit on carrying young passengers between 11pm and 5am when they are at most risk, as well as an outright ban on drinking for the first year. We would also support steps to include motorway driving within the standard test criteria.

“Whilst the majority of 17-year-olds are responsible drivers, the minority who do cause claims is large enough to impact on the whole group in terms of cost of insurance. We would expect most road users to welcome any reasonable initiatives not only to keep them safe, but to reduce accidents among less experienced drivers. Eventually this could lead to lower insurance premiums to reflect this lower risk.”