irishcar.com

4 March 2002: Motorists who have just passed their driving test in the UK could face tougher drink-drive rules and lower speed limits than other road users, under new plans.

A possible lower blood-alcohol level for new drivers and the speed limit regulation are two of 18 possible options put forward in a consultation paper about learner drivers published this week.

Other options for new drivers include restrictions on night-time driving, restricting new drivers to low-powered vehicles, and the compulsory display of "L" plates for six or 12 months after passing the test.

Among the other options put forward are: Compulsory professional tuition for learners and for accompanying drivers; Compulsory skid training and motorway training; Introduction of a probationary licence code for the first two years after passing the practical driving test ; The introduction of a second practical driving test.

The document says they want to drive down the number of casualties among newly qualified drivers and is constantly seeking ways of improving the way people learn to drive. FCC