Driving test plans could save lives

Jul 30 2008 by Paul Loraine, The Journal

THE family of a teenager killed in a crash involving a rookie driver welcomed last night’s proposals to overhaul road tests. In 2006, more than 1,100 people were killed or seriously injured on North East roads.

And In January last year, Gordon Garland’s son Craig – from Main Street, Spittal, Berwick, Northumberland – died aged just 16 when rookie driver Drew Dodd, 18, crashed at a speed approaching 100mph.

Dodd had passed his test just weeks before the crash.

Last night, Mr Garland, 45, said would like to see a number of measures brought in to curb the problem.

Driving Standards Agency (DSA) chiefs were in Newcastle yesterday, part of a national tour to debate how we should train drivers in the future.

One in five deaths on British roads is caused by a newly-qualified driver and the Government believes changing the way people learn to drive could cut this toll.

Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly has drawn up proposals following discussions with young people, driving instructors and the insurance industry.

And last night, people were invited to St James’s Park – one of 13 venues nationwide – to meet DSA officials, discuss the ideas, and give their own opinions on driving training.

A news test could see drivers asked to navigate themselves to a destination by following road signs rather than being directed by an instructor.

The theory test may be modified and a pre- qualification in road safety may be introduced.

DSA deputy chief executive Nick Carter said: “Lots of people have told us that the test doesn’t prepare them adequately for driving on their own.

“I think people recognise there’s a need for change, for a test that gives a better safety record of newly qualified drivers.”

Mr Garland said: “I think the test needs to be changed someway along the line,” he said.

“But there needs to be something once they have passed their test.

“I don’t think they should be able to do a week’s intensive course and then pass their test – they should have to do a certain number of hours.

“And there should be something restricting the size or the power of the car they can drive.

“I think drivers need to know more of the theory as well. I think you should ask people questions about the highway code over a number of weeks to test them properly.”

Meanwhile, as part of the proposals, driving instructors may be graded by a new star system, an idea that has been met with some resistance from the Driving Instructors Association.

Chief Executive Eddie Barnaville said: “We already have a grading system but it’s not known to the public.”