TRANSPORT Secretary Ruth Kelly has announced major changes to the driving test - but she had no shortage of expert advice from motorists beforehand.

A survey of 17,000 AA members backed radical moves, such as learner-drivers being required to take at least 40 hours of tuition before sitting their test.

Night-time curfews, a limit on the number of passengers carried by young drivers and increasing the minimum driving age were other measures approved.

The survey reflected concern that while road deaths and serious injuries had fallen by 33% since the mid-90s, the casualty rate for young drivers has not changed.

As many as 20% of people have an accident within six months of passing the test - and a further 70% report near-misses.

Newly qualified drivers and their passengers account for 20% of all car deaths in Britain.

Among the changes unveiled by Kelly were a star-rating system for instructors, and an improved driving test which will require candidates to demonstrate independent driving skills and a clear understanding of different situations on the roads.

The proposals, which will now be consulted on, could see changes in place within two to three years.

They also include a foundation course in safe road use for under 17-year-olds, which will be piloted in schools and colleges in Scotland from this autumn.

And the driving test will be revised to place less emphasis on mechanical manoeuvres. There's no doubt, however, that many of the surveyed AA drivers will feel an opportunity has been lost here.

But what do you think? Should L-drivers take at least 40 hours' tuition? And should they face a night-time curfew?

We ask what you think of proposals to make driving test tougher
HEATHER RANDALL, 21, student, City Centre: If you pass your test you should be allowed to drive at night. You need to learn and have that behind you if you want to be a good driver.	RAY PARKS, 65, stock controller, Glasgow: Drivers should be trained more before they sit their test. One of the most important areas they should be trained on is motorway driving.	KIRSTEN COLE, 20, student, City Centre: I am from America and over there you have to have a certain amount of time spent out driving on the road. By the time you have finished, you are ready.	CHRIS COOPER, 20, student, Giffnock: It is a good idea to stop young drivers driving at night as it is a totally different experience when you are driving in the dark compared to the daytime.

INNES LAING, 31, business manager, Stepps: I would agree with 40 hours training, it is safer. I would stop young drivers from driving in the city centre at night.

RHONA MARTIN, 19, student, City Centre: I took a year of driving lessons before I sat and passed my driving test and I think it is better and safer to do that.

TONY PARKS, 69, retired, Glasgow: I would say motorway training is the most important. Someone can pass their test and hours later be on the motorway.

KATHERINE ULRICH, 20, student, City Centre: I think a minimum of 40 hours training would be good, as people would be ready to drive when they pass.