Driving age could rise to 18 under new proposals

            A Government report has set out options which could see new restrictions for newly qualified drivers. Young motorists could have to wait until they are 18 before they take their driving test and be banned from carrying their peers under proposals being considered by the Government.

            The move is triggered by casualty figures which showed that last year a fifth of the people killed or seriously injured on the road were in an accident where the driver of one of the cars was under 24.

            Under the proposals drawn up for ministers by TRL, formerly the Government’s transport research laboratory, nobody would not only have to wait until they are 18 before taking the test but will be required to log 120 hours of supervised practice, including 20 at night. They would be banned from carrying passengers under of the age of 30 or driving between 10pm and 5am unless there was also someone over 30 in the car.

            Then the novice motorist would be on probation for another year. This would entail their having to carry a green P plate, which would make it easier for the police to enforce the restrictions.

            These restrictions would apply in full to any newly qualified driver below the age of 30. Some, such as the ban on night-time driving, using a hands free mobile and a lower drink-drive limit, would apply to anyone 12 months after passing their test irrespective of age.

            “The reasoning behind this is that the evidence shows both youth and inexperience are factors in determining crash risk,” said Dr Shaun Helman, one of the author’s of the report. According to the research introducing these curbs would cut casualties by 4,471 – including up to 41 fatalities a year.

Question 1 (2 points) Indicate whether the following statements are true or false and write down which part of the text justifies your answer.

a. Most car accidents are caused by drivers under the age of 24.

b. Young drivers cannot use a car at night under any circumstances.

c. Young motorists only need supervised practice to drive without restrictions.

d. Some of the new restrictions would apply to all drivers a year after passing their tests.

Question 2 (2 points) Answer the following questions in your own words.

a. Why is the Government considering restrictions to new young drivers?

b. What requirements could be introduced to drive without restrictions?

Question 3 (1.5 points) Find words or phrases in the text that correspond in meaning to the words and definitions given.

a. to cause, to set off par. 2

b. to  involve par. 4

c. control par. 6

Question 4 (1.5 points) Complete the following sentences without changing the meaning.

a.  A Government report has set out options for newly qualified drivers.

            Options..................

b.  These restrictions will apply in full to any newly qualified driver below the age of 30.

            Unless you...............

c. “The reasoning behind this is that the evidence shows both youth and inexperience are factors in determining crash risk,” said Dr Shaun Helman.

             Dr Shaun Helman said...........

Question 5 (3 points) Write a short essay (120-150 words) on the following topic:

Does a car always give you independence?