Insurance could be affected 'if learner driver age is increased'
Personal insurance
24th February 2010
Insurance for individuals or businesses that regularly rely on drivers and transport solutions could be affected if one road safety charity's idea is put into action.
Brake is calling for the age at which learners can take their practical test to be raised to 18 - "or even higher".
It commented following a recent case involving a man who died when his girlfriend, a learner and uninsured motorist, lost control at the wheel.
Younger people take increased risks and therefore putting up the age at which they could gain a full licence could result in fewer casualties.
"We cannot delay anymore in introducing these measures which are proven to work, popularly supported and would prevent more tragedies," said Brake chief executive Mary Williams.
She added that while young people's "thrill-seeking tendencies" develop by about age 15, their cognitive skills do not finish maturing until around 25.
Younger drivers generally pay higher premiums, although older motorists with convictions and penalty points also have to shell out more.
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