Research suggests 60 weeks driving experience needed to become a ‘good driver’

New research shows that motorists believe it takes 60 weeks after passing your driving test to become a ‘good driver’, according to Young Driver.

Over one in six people (17%) believe it takes over two years.

Young Driver provides pre-17 driving lessons and researched the opinions of 1,000 motorists.

Drivers who have just passed their test are statistically more likely to have an accident, with one in five involved in a collision within the first six months after passing their test.

Head of marketing at Young Driver, Sue Waterfield, said: “We all know that experience is key to being a safer driver.

"Sadly, when youngsters first pass their test, that can often be lacking which can lead to moments of hesitation or dangerous choices being made, resulting in an accident.

“That’s why we’re so keen to help young people get more experience behind the wheel – and it’s the premise behind Young Driver.

“If you already know how to drive the car by the time you start on the road lessons, you can concentrate much more on hazard perception and other road users, rather than how to control the clutch.”

British learners have an estimated 40 to 50 hours of driving practice before they pass their test, however, Young Driver is suggesting parents should help their children get further experience before they start driving on their own.

Young Driver allows youngsters to get experience behind the wheel before they can even have a provisional licence.

The scheme has delivered over 740,000 lessons to children aged 10-17 at 65 locations across the UK.

Vauxhall sponsor the Young Driver scheme which was founded in 2009.

Lessons can be held in a Vauxhall Corsa SRI car and the new Bentley Flying Spur.

Earlier this year plans were drawn-up by the DfT, in which new drivers could face limits on what they can do on the road in order “to ease them into a lifetime of safe driving”.

Other restrictions could include a minimum learning period and not driving with passengers under a certain age.