Your biggest life threat is not drugs or knives but dying in a road crash.

For many teenagers learning to drive is just a race to see how quickly and cheaply they can pass, yet drivers under 25 in Britain cause 1,000 deaths a year, including their own. They make up 25% of road fatalities, although they comprise a tiny proportion of motorists.

Many parents chauffeur kids around, afraid to let them cross a road alone, then let them drive cars with as little training as possible. Many bad and dangerous driving habits are formed from watching parents.

Read the report Young Drivers - Where and when they are unsafe.       

Each year, 50,000 17 year olds pass their test after less than 6 months driving

More than 14 young drivers and their passengers are killed every week

20% of new drivers have a crash in their first year of driving

Young drivers takes their eyes off the road up to 40% of the time

85.7% of young drivers involved in KSI crashes are found to be at fault

Young drivers respond to situations 2 seconds slower than experienced drivers

Driving examiners intervene on safety grounds on 10% of all driving tests

Read the ROSPA guide Helping learner car drivers during private driving practice.

How does the UK Driving Test compare?

Austria
Learning: A driving school and accompanied driving programme, with practical and theory lessons and a minimum of 3,000kms accompanied driving. Learners can start at 16 and take the test from 17. After the test: Two years’ probation and a zero-alcohol rule. Any violations lead to an offender course and extension of probation. One year after the test, there’s a day of track training and group discussion.

Germany
Learning: Drivers must learn in professional driving schools. Learners can take the test at 17, followed by mandatory accompanied driving until 18. After the test: Two years’ probation, extended if there are any violations. Zero alcohol until 21.

France
Learning: Starts at 17½ (if at a driving school) or 16 on the accompanied driving programme — a combination of a minimum of 20 hours’ driving school training, 3,000km accompanied driving, plus two three-hour feedback meetings with instructor. Minimum age for test, 18. After the test: Three years probabtion and novice drivers must display ‘A’ driver-plates on the back of the car. They must not exceed 110km on motorways.

Sweden
Learning: Lessons can start at 16 and the accompanying driver must take a three-hour training course. Driving test can be taken at 18. After the test: Two years’ probation. Violations result in a suspension of the licence and driver has to retake test.

Finland
Learning: Lessons start at 17. The accompanying driver must obtain a special instructor's permit and have a car fitted and inspected with an extra set of pedals for front passenger. Minimum of 30 hours professional instruction plus skid pan training and darkness training. 20 theory lessons. Driving test can be taken at 18. After the test: Two years’ probation. Violation results in a licence suspension and driver must retake test.

Atom driving lessons are safe and fun. You get real value for money in a relaxed, encouraging environment. Reach me on my mobile 07722 037709, phone 01536 502436, email or Facebook.