The UK Government has announced its plan to publish a green paper this spring on improving road safety for young drivers.

Unveiled at a meeting for the motor insurance industry, hosted by the Department for Transport, the proposed changes are expected to result in the reduction of the high cost of vehicle insurance, a problem currently facing young motorists.

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said that a fifth of people killed or seriously injured on the roads in 2011 were involved in a collision with at least one driver aged between 17 and 24.

"Improving the safety of our young drivers is therefore a real priority and will not only reduce casualties but should also mean a reduction in the sky-high insurance premiums they pay," McLoughlin noted.

The proposals being considered include a minimum learning period before candidates are permitted to give their test, allowing learner drivers to take lessons on motorways, and raising the present probationary period from two to three years for a new driver’s license to be cancelled if they receive six or more penalty points.

"A fifth of people killed or seriously injured on the roads in 2011 were involved in a collision with at least one driver aged between 17 and 24."

Other proposals include making the driving test more rigorous to better prepare learners to drive unsupervised, and incentives for young drivers to take up additional training after passing their test.

The government is considering the possibility of imposing temporary restrictions on new qualified drivers.

Commenting on the announcement, the UK’s independent road safety charity IAM policy and research director Neil Greig said that the publication of a new Green Paper for young drivers is a once in a generation opportunity to help new drivers survive the crucial first six months of driving.

"The IAM want to see a system that embeds continuous learning for all new drivers so that once basic skills are learned under supervision they can gain the solo driving experience they need as safely as possible," Greig said.

In addition to the proposed changes and a variety of other changes that have already been implemented to address a range of concerns relating to motor insurance, the government is considering improving the training of driving instructors.