Plans by the government to introduce a more stringent and thorough driving test, which could help reduce the number of accidents and in turn bring car insurance prices down, has been backed by Formula 1 star David Coulthard.

The motor racing star is encouraging drivers to make use of the four-month nationwide consultation tour being carried out by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) to put ideas forward on how to reduce the risk of using Britain's roads.

Coulthard said he was shocked and appalled at recent figures which suggested one in five deaths on the UK's roads involve newly-qualified drivers and he believes plans to overhaul the testing system could make a difference.

"I know how much young people enjoy the freedom that driving brings, but it is also a huge responsibility that must be taken seriously. Changing the way that people are taught to drive, and making the test more real, can only be of benefit," he said.

Should the driving test improve the motoring skills of newly-qualified drivers it could result in fewer road accidents, which in turn could help to lower car insurance premiums.

The DSA carried out 1.8 million practical tests for car drivers, 101,000 vocational tests and over 83,000 motorcycle tests in 2006/7.

Motorists considering buying a new vehicle at the moment may find a Land Rover model can help see them safely through the winter and reduce their chances of having to make a car insurance claim, it ha...

Manufacturers may have an important role to play in helping to cut car insurance claims in the UK, it has been suggested.According to RoadSafe, companies could help to reduce traffic accidents by fitt...

The fall in temperature could lead to a rise in the number of car insurance claims, according to Greater Manchester police.Motorists have been warned to be on their guard against vehicle thieves after...