Young women learning to drive could face a more in-depth practical test after finer points of a plan to improve road safety were unveiled.

The government has been working on new ways to cut fatalities on the country's roads and announced a final draft plan yesterday.

Female motorists taking to the wheel for the first time could face modular testing, and a pre-lessons road safety course if studying at college or school.

Transport secretary Ruth Kelly said: "We must do more to help make newly qualified drivers safer, one in five of whom has some kind of accident within six months of passing."

Both new male and female drivers will be affected by the changes if they are introduced after a consultation period.

Reviews of driving instructor training and testing are also proposed, and instructors could also be star-rated to help learners decided who is best to teach them.

The comprehensive new plans could also see insurance discounts for drivers who take advanced driving courses after passing their tests.

Find out how foxy lady drivers run safer cars.

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