100mph drivers face extended test to regain licence

Motorists caught driving at more than 100mph on motorways face being forced to take an extended driving test before regaining their licences, under new Government proposals (Telegraph).

Ministers are ready to take tough action on the country’s most reckless speeders and dangerous drivers by keeping them off the road while they pose a threat, according to the Telegraph.

This will be done by increasing the number of offences where the courts can require a motorist to take an extended test – lasting twice as long as that faced by learner drivers.

Currently, extended tests are required for motorists banned for more than 56 days for dangerous driving, drink driving and other serious offences such as causing death by dangerous driving.

However, proposals unveiled last week by the DfT would extend this to a range of other offences such as serious cases of careless driving and speeding significantly over the posted limit; where the court has imposed an immediate driving ban of at least 56 days.

According to the latest figures from the Ministry of Justice, more than 9,000 motorists were banned from driving for a single speeding offence by the courts last year. Motoring groups believe that around a third of these drivers could be hit by the proposals which are intended to act against the worst offenders.

They could be joined by around 1,000 more motorists who are banned by the courts for the worst cases of careless driving.

Andrew Howard, the AA’s head of road safety, said: “Driving at 100mph is not a minor slip. Everyone knows the national speed limit. This means the worst drivers will be properly tested before being allowed back on the road.”

Robert Gifford, executive director of PACTS, said: “This is a timely move to ensure that the requirement to take an extended driving test also has an educational dimension.

“Carrying a driving licence is a significant responsibility and drivers need to be reminded of that. This should ensure that the extended driving test for serious offenders is fit for purpose.”

Click here to read the full Telegraph report.