Industry News from Yes Insurance

The transport secretary Ruth Kelly has announced plans for harder driving tests, which throws doubt on the future of the Pass Plus testing scheme.

Taken by many new drivers as they pursue lower insurance premiums, statistics from uSwitch.com say that only thirteen per cent of learners opt to take the extra lessons.

Under the new government plans, new courses will be developed by the Driving Standards Agency.

The Department for Transport told timesonline.com: "We want people to go on improving their driving skills throughout their driving careers. This is about creating the right sort of education and incentivising people to do it."

Pass Plus was introduced in late 1995, but although motorists spend over £30 million a year on the package, most new drivers opt not to take it.

The government has met with insurance companies to discuss a twenty-five per cent reduction in premium costs for drivers who undertake the new tests.