You might feel the driving test is plenty tough enough but according to one motoring group, it doesn’t go far enough – especially for young drivers.

While the test has continued to evolve over the past 80 years since its introduction in 1935, the York Institute of Advanced Motorists believes that it is still too limited. In particular, the organisation wants to see the test covering motorway and night driving plus even pothole negotiation.

Critically, the group is also demanding that young drivers are given more efficient testing while being subjected to a series of limitations on what and how they drive once they do pass the test. As YIAM’s Keith Horner explained to the The York Press: “We need to aim for a better test for young people, so if we can target a better structured test that makes them better drivers, then it is for everyone’s benefit. It would be quite a good idea to put a limit on the engine size like what happens on motorbike tests, and put a curfew on younger drivers.”

His call for stricter testing and post-test restrictions was echoed by a survey carried out by the road safety charity Brake last year that found 92% of the public believe there should be some kind of restrictions on newly qualified drivers:

75% said there should be a requirement for a minimum number of taught hours before learner drivers are allowed to take their practical test

66% supported the use of a ‘P’ plate to show a driver is on probation

50% believe there should be restrictions on car engine sizes for new drivers

44% believe there should be restrictions on carrying young passengers (unless family/dependants)

38% support restrictions on night driving between midnight-4am (unless for work/education)

30% believe a newly qualified driver should lose their licence if they break any traffic laws during their first year on the road.

We’re calling for a system of graduated driver licensing (GDL), allowing young drivers to develop skills and experience gradually, with night-time curfews and a restriction on the number of passengers a novice driver can carry. GDL works well in other countries, and could prevent more than 400 deaths and serious injuries every year in Britain.”

– Brake, the road safety charity