A north-east MP is supporting the introduction of a graduate driving licence in Scotland to try and improve road safety.
The initiative could involve restrictions on the amount of passengers and the times of day when new drivers can get behind the wheel.
Government statistics show that up to a quarter of newly-qualified motorists being involved in an accident within two years of passing their test with 400 young drivers suffering serious or fatal injuries each year.
Other restrictions as part of the licence could involve lower alcohol limits, restrictions on engine sizes or slower speed limits for up to six months after passing the test.
Moray MP Douglas Ross has backed the driving licence being trialled in Scotland to try and increase safety on the roads.
He said: “Alarmingly, the Highlands and Grampian areas have some of the highest young driver collision rates in the UK with 10% of all collisions involving a driver aged between just 17 and 19 years old.
“In these areas alone we could reduce casualties, including those killed or seriously injured, if a form of graduated licence was introduced.
“In addition to the huge personal trauma these collisions cause to our communities, financially studies suggest we could save at least £4million in costs to society in these areas alone.”
The UK Government tasked the Department for Transport to investigate the possibility of the scheme last year. A trial scheme is required before it can be introduced.
A pilot scheme was established in Northern Ireland but has been halted due to the assembly in the country currently being suspended.
