These drivers will be 'banned from carrying passengers' under DVLA changes

Huge changes to road rules could be considered by the Government

Some drivers could be banned from having passengers in their cars under proposed safety changes. The radical rules would apply to new drivers under the age of 20.

It would mean them not being allowed to have friends or family members in their cars if they do not meet age requirements. Under a new scheme, motorists aged 17, 18 and 19 would not be allowed to travel with passengers aged 25 or younger for a limited amount of time, the Express reports.

The potential DVLA rule will remain in place for the first six months after passing but will not apply if an adult over the age of 35 is present. It would represent a huge change to UK driving laws, though there may be questions about how easily it can be policed.

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Younger drivers would also be forced to undertake a minimum six-month learning period before being eligible to take a driving test. This would stop young and inexperienced 17-year-olds from passing their practical test after just 10 or so hours of practice behind the wheel.

The idea of the proposed passenger ban is to ensure new drivers don't become distracted while behind the wheel. Groups of young pals commonly travel together on the roads, amid concerns from police.

Strict rules would be put into place with six penalty points slapped onto driving licences for anyone found breaking the rules. This would see new drivers banned from the road with six points enough for a licence to be revoked up to two years after passing.

Experts at the RAC Foundation have written to Lilian Greenwood, minister for the future of roads, calling for the changes. Research from road safety campaigners at Brake claims new drivers were four times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash when travelling with passengers of a similar age.

Steve Gooding, director of the RAC Foundation, backed the idea of a “graduated” driving licence scheme to help youngsters travel more safely. However, he stressed the new idea would not impose many of the unpopular restrictions previously discussed such as banning motorists from driving at night.