Road Safety Minister Arlene Foster is seeking views in Fermanagh on proposals to change the driving test.

A consultation document has issued in Great Britain by the Department for Transport (DfT) on proposals to reform the way people learn to drive, and the way they are tested.

Arlene Foster said: "Our colleagues in DfT believe that these reforms will contribute to a reduction in road deaths and injuries, particularly among newly-qualified drivers, and we would like to know what the people of Northern Ireland think about these proposals."

The DfT consultation introduces such proposals as: an improved driving test; an improved learning process; better information about driving instructors and improved instructor training;

and further options for learning and qualifications.

"The measures which DfT are consulting on will complement my Department's upcoming consultation on Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) and together they will provide a holistic view of the future of learning to drive in Northern Ireland," the Minister said.

GDL

The Northern Ireland consultation on Graduated Driver Licensing, which it is anticipated will issue in June 2008, will contain proposals on measures such as changing or abolishing the 45 miles per hour speed limit for "L" and "R" drivers; restrictions on night-time driving; restrictions on the age and/or number of passengers which can be carried; and lower drink-drive limits for learner and restricted drivers.