Britons learning to drive - potentially including those with modified car insurance cover - could find that it takes a year to pass their driving test under new government proposals.
The Evening Standard has reported that ministers are planning to explain a scheme in the new year which could see motorists gain up to 500 hours on-the-road experience, compared with the present average of 100 hours.
Learners will be expected to learn skills that can then be ticked off by an instructor, while also preparing to sit an extra examination. Only after they have passed the theory, practical and L-test will they be eligible to receive their licence, the publication states.
Whitehall sources told the newspaper: "This way the government can effectively raise the driving age to 18 without having to specifically legislate.
"It will take most people at least a year to be signed off by a qualified instructor on all the skills they need to master before taking the tougher L-test."
Presently, learners - potentially including modified car insurance customers - are advised to take a Pass Plus course to gain extra experience at the wheel.
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