YOUNG motorists in Swindon could face tougher driving tests in a bid to cut the number of accidents on our roads.

The Government wants to ensure that learner drivers are encouraged to drive responsibly before passing their test.

One possible change could be an expansion of the existing 40-minute practical driving test into two stages.

The new-look test might cover a broader range of skills, including driving at night and on different types of road.

Lessons on public roads from the age of 16 and teaching safe driving principles in school are also being considered.

A minimum period of practice before people are allowed to take their test could also be introduced, similar to the 120 hour-requirement that exists in Sweden.

Swindon's driving instructors have mixed views on the measures.

Former instructor George Buckingham thinks the present test is hard enough and that the Government should place more emphasis on advanced driving schemes like Pass Plus.

He said: "It should be down to the instructor to decide whether the student is competent enough to take their test.

"The Government should be pushing new drivers to take schemes like the Pass Plus, which you have to pay for.

"But if the Government urged people to use it and subsidised the cost it would push up standards.

"They should also consider including motorway driving instruction as well."

But Steve Forrester, of the High Tech School of Motoring in Highworth, believes an overhaul is in order.

"There need to be big changes to the system because many drivers are taking to the road with nowhere near enough tuition," he said.

"A lot more time is required so we can make these drivers more aware of the dangers on the road."

The Driving Standards Agency, the body responsible for the driving test, has been asked by the Department for Transport to review the testing and training regime for drivers.

But limiting the amount of driving that new young drivers can do has already been ruled out.

A DFT spokeswoman said: "We have one of the toughest driving tests in the world and we think driving instructors offer drivers very good training.

"But we have all seen the statistics for young driver accidents and this is something that we need to take seriously and have a look at."

More than 3,000 people die on Britain's roads every year.