Younger drivers 'need to maximise their concentration'

Young drivers stereotypically lack concentration when they are on the roads. Despite only passing their test 6-12 months ago, many of them feel like they are driving veterans and fail to pay careful attention to road safety regulations.

As most drivers get older they get more complacent, but young drivers seem to throw what they have learned out of the window straight away.

It may be tempting to look "cool" by showing off 'effortless' driving skills, but it only endangers you, your passengers and other people on the roads.

The AA has urged these types of car owners to improve their technique when taking to the road - whether it be through greater concentration or taking a "pass plus" test.

One of the ways this can be achieved is to adopt more eco-friendly tactics – such as avoiding speeding - when behind the wheel, as these are "fundamentally the same" as safe motoring skills.

Head of road safety at the organisation, Andrew Howard, said the "best definition" of a competent motorist is one who gets to their destination "without really getting noticed".

"A good driver isn't someone where people say 'my, he can control a car in reverse and in forward and go really fast'. Driving really isn't about showing off," he said.

The charity Brake asserts 20 per cent of new drivers are involved in a crash within half a year of passing their test. These shocking statistics have caused many industy experts to urge driving schools and the DVLA to offer further road safety training, either through the pass plus scheme or an extra addition to the theory test.

It adds one in three motorists who perish on UK roads are aged under 25 and an 18-year-old licence-holder is over three times more likely to be involved in an accident than a 48-year-old.

Taking a Pass Plus test will also bring down your insurance costs as well as give you enhanced road safety awareness. When insurers see someone taking active steps to become a better driver they are happy to lower your premium.

Cover can be affected by the age and history of a driver – those who need to renew their policy could have an insurance Q&A with a range of providers.