New motorists may face tougher rules

Motorists who have just passed their driving test may be subject to tougher drink-drive and speeding laws under plans being considered by the Government.

Motorists who have just passed their driving test may be subject to tougher drink-drive and speeding laws under plans being considered by the Government.

Lower blood-alcohol levels and reduced speed limits were two of 18 possible options in a consultation paper about novice drivers published yesterday.

Other options for new drivers include restrictions on night-time driving, making them drive smaller-engined vehicles, and the compulsory display of "P" – provisional – plates for six or 12 months after passing the test. Compulsory professional tuition for learners and accompanying drivers, skid and motorway training, and the introduction of a probationary licence code for the first two years are also being considered.

Andrew Howard, the AA's head of road safety policy, welcomed the paper but added: "Some of the suggestions in the consultation paper are impractical and unenforceable."

The AA believes the introduction of P plates would do little to improve safety and it warns that limiting the time when young drivers may drive is likely to be impractical.