Insurers and road safety groups have raised an interesting point about learner drivers.
They suggest that novices should take lessons for at least a year and be discouraged from driving at night, and there should be limits on the number of passengers they can carry.
The proposals are aimed at reducing the rising number of young drivers who are killed and seriously injured on our roads.
They are supported by road safety groups and by the family of Dr Margaret Davidson, the Banbury junior doctor, whose life was cruelly ended by a reckless young motorist.
Many in the 17-25 age bracket do act responsibly and it may seem unfair to penalise everyone.
But there is no doubt that the death and injury toll in crashes involving young people is rising alarmingly.
There is also plenty of evidence that some youngsters drive much too fast and make too many mistakes.
The proposed measures may seem a little draconian, but there is certainly the need for a public debate on how to make our roads safer.
A few lessons with a qualified instructor, a theory test and a 40-minute driving test may no longer be sufficient to prepare motorists for the increasingly hazardous life behind the wheel.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article