The minimum age for driving in the UK is 17, but is this too young? The road safety campaign group BRAKE think so and are lobbying for the age to be increased to 18.

In 2005, 846 drivers, passengers, and motorcyclist between the ages of 15 and 25 died and a further 7,632 were seriously injured. Whilst only one in eight licence holders are under 25, one in three of those who die on the road are in that age group. In addition, 25 per cent of convictions for causing death by dangerous driving are against under 21’s.

Most other European countries have a minimum driving age of 18, whilst the age is 17 in UK, Poland, Ireland and Iceland. But there are countries with a lower minimum age. If you live in the Isle of Man you can qualify for a driving licence at 16, whilst Ethiopia (14), New Zealand (15) and Canada (16).

But what do you think? Our mini – poll for November/December asks:

Recent reports have stated that road accidents are now the single biggest killer of young people in the UK. Currently the UK minimum driving age is 17, do you think that:

- 17 yrs old is about right
- Raise to 18 yrs old
- Lower to 16 yrs old
- Other

You can vote by visiting our Home Page and the result will be published at the end of December.

18.11.06