Cost Of L-Test May Rise To £1500

Mar 2 2008 By Grace Macaskill

Stop The Carnage

LEARNER drivers could be forced to take lessons at night and on motorways before passing their test.

They will also have to prove their skills with a series of modules before gaining a full licence under new proposals.

They are part of a Government plan aimed at cutting the number of young deaths on Scotland's roads.

During the first six months of 2007, 129 people died in accidents in Scotland - 45 of them under 25.

The cost of learning to drive is likely to rise from around £1000 to £1500 as motorists and instructors face more rigourous training.

The proposals are due be unveiled in Westminster later this month in the biggest reform of driver training for more than 10 years.

Last night Alex Buist, a former traffic officer and Scottish secretary for the Motor Schools Association, said: "This isn't about instructors getting paid more, this is about cutting the death rate on our roads."

Eddie Barnville, of the Driving Instructors' Association, said the cost of learning would rise by up to £500.

The system will include some elements of the Pass Plus scheme, underwhichnew drivers take extra lessons.

The Sunday Mail is campaigning for the Pass Plus programme to be given free to drivers under 25 in our Stop The Carnage campaign.

Families and emergency services tell their stories of loss and carnage on our special website report. Log into www.sundaymail.co.uk

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macaskill@sundaymail.co.uk