Young car loan customers 'could benefit from extra training'

May 7 2008

Car Finance customers driving their first car after passing their test could get insurance discounts thanks to a government plan.

The Times reports transport secretary Ruth Kelly has sat down with cover providers to talk about new driver courses which could deliver cuts if completed.

Any new course could be taken shortly after a test and lead to young drivers qualifying for a discount on their premiums.

Quoted by the paper, AA president Edmund King gave his backing to the plans saying: "Learning advanced driving skills has been shown to reduce the risk of crashing by up to 35 per cent."

Young drivers who already have a car loan and are looking at ways of cutting motoring costs could opt for the scheme if it is finalised by officials.

An advanced driving course is already available to people who hold a full licence, but is not taken up by the majority of drivers.

It is thought a clear financial incentive would encourage younger motorists and car loan customers to take the new courses, therefore improving general road safety.

Plans previously discussed to limit the driving hours of new motorists are understood to have been shelved.

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