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Should the minimum driving age be raised?
For years now, learning to drive has been a rite of passage for 17-year-olds.
Getting behind the wheel of a car means freedom and adulthood, but with the number of young people being killed or seriously injured on the increase, there has been talk of raising the minimum age of learner drivers from 17 to 18.
In Colchester in 2006, 52 drivers aged between 17 and 18 were involved in accidents, one less than 2005. But in Tendring the figure rose, from 57 in 2005, to 61 in 2006.
MPs touted the idea six months ago, and a recent survey by car insurer Insurepink found that many supported the idea, both in the east of England and nationwide.
Meanwhile, the Government has said it would not rule out adopting such proposals.
Trudi Moorse, from Fingringhoe, a driving instructor of 30 years and vice-chairman of the Colchester and District Driving Instructors' Association (DIA), said: "The majority of 17-year-olds are absolutely fine and capable of handling a car, and are responsible enough to stick to the rules of the road."
"But in every walk of life you get a minority who shouldn't even be looking at a car. To raise the minimum driving age to 18 is the way forward. They need time to become mature enough to deal with the road."
The MPs' report, called Novice Drivers, suggested people should still start learning to drive at 17, but not be allowed to take the test until they are 18.
To pass their test they must complete a minimum number of lessons, follow a structured syllabus and use computer simulators to encourage better driving habits.
After all this, the MPs suggested a zero alcohol limit for all new drivers for a year after passing their test, and a ban on new drivers carrying passengers aged between ten and 20, from 11pm and 5am for a year.
Ms Moorse admitted the change in rules would be "punishing" those who drive sensibly, but added: "It's the same with smoking and drinking. We have to do these things for the minority."
More in today's Gazette
9:30am Wednesday 16th April 2008
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CommentPosted by: Garry, colchester on 4:47pm Thu 17 Apr 08
I am not sure about this, you have to think allowing drink and driving both at the same age could cause problems as you want to get drunk as soon as you turn 18 (if u havent before) and you will also want to drive may cause more accidents.
I am not sure about this, you have to think allowing drink and driving both at the same age could cause problems as you want to get drunk as soon as you turn 18 (if u havent before) and you will also want to drive may cause more accidents.
Posted by: dee brooks, colchester on 1:12am Sun 20 Apr 08
After all this, the MPs suggested a zero alcohol limit for all new drivers for a year after passing their test, and a ban on new drivers carrying passengers aged between ten and 20, from 11pm and 5am for a year.[quote]quote[/quote]
so who would enforce these rules? it is bad enough now when the boy racers are zooming around and nobody seems to bother with them unless perhaps, they are parked illegally..perhaps driving licences should only be granted to people with commonsense as well as road sense.. and learner drivers should have very large L plates that glow in the dark!
After all this, the MPs suggested a zero alcohol limit for all new drivers for a year after passing their test, and a ban on new drivers carrying passengers aged between ten and 20, from 11pm and 5am for a year.
quote
so who would enforce these rules? it is bad enough now when the boy racers are zooming around and nobody seems to bother with them unless perhaps, they are parked illegally..perhaps driving licences should only be granted to people with commonsense as well as road sense.. and learner drivers should have very large L plates that glow in the dark!
Posted by: Mr Poo, Colchavster on 2:45pm Sun 20 Apr 08
it's all the chavs
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