A MOTORING group has backed calls to make the current driving test tougher.

York Institute of Advanced Motorists wants to see the exam expanded to cover motorways and night time driving, and put more emphasis on younger drivers.

This comes after a survey found ninety per cent of motorists in the UK do not believe the current test is acceptable.

Nine out of ten drivers would like to see the test regime scrapped in favour of a graduated licensing system that places limits on learners and new drivers.

Keith Horner, secretary of York Institute of Advanced Motorists, said: “The current test does not cover driving conditions, like driving in the dark, on motorways and negotiating pot holes.

“We also need to aim for a better test for young people, so if we can target a better structured test that makes them better drivers, then it is for everyone’s benefit. It would be quite a good idea to put a limit on the engine size like what happens on motorbike tests, and put a curfew on younger drivers".

The UK driving test has existed for more than 80 years but the last significant change was the introduction of a hazard perception element in 2002.