CALLS to overhaul the driving test have been welcomed by MPs and road safety campaigners in East Lancashire.

The Institute of Advanced Motorists wants the practical test to be changed so that it is relevant to today’s driving landscape and reflects the problems youngsters face on the roads.

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As it stands now, the driving test does not include any testing of a driver’s ability to cope safely with country roads, poor weather or driving at night – three aspects known to be the main risk factors in the first six months of solo driving.

It would mean that drivers would go through a ‘second phase’ of testing to make sure their skills were still up to scratch a year after taking their test.

Road accidents remain the biggest killer of young people in the UK, higher than both alcohol and drugs. In 2013 there were 191 people under 24 killed and 20,003 injured as drivers and riders of cars and motorbikes.

Neil Greig, IAM director of policy and research, said: “The driving test needs to become a much more integrated part of a graduated licensing system that picks up on best practice from around the world.”

Jake Berry, MP for Darwen and Rossendale, said he thought the driving test did need to be updated to reflect modern driving conditions.

He said: “ I think many of our local responsible driving instructors will already be doing a lot of what the IAM is recommending and I would urge people to find a good local driving instructor who will give them the breadth of experience they need to be a good driver.”

Graham Jones, MP for Hyndburn and Haslingden, added: “ I think the recommendations are something we should reflect on.”

Ex-firefighter Steve Johnson, who runs the Under 17 Motor Club said : “I do believe there is no substitute for time in the seat and getting tuition and practice. I would like to see greater emphasis on acquiring driving skills for life and not ticking the box for a driving test.”