Just as 18th birthdays are marked by a first appearance at a pub to enjoy a legal drink, 17th birthdays have become synonymous with stepping behind the wheel of a car for the first time. However, that tradition may soon fade away.
New measures put forward by the Government could see a rise in the driving age to 18 in an effort to curb the frequency of accidents involving young drivers.
In 2005, despite an 8% reduction in motoring deaths overall, there was a 12% rise in deaths involving the 16-19 age group.
Despite support from motoring bodies, including the Association of British Insurers (ABI), for a rise in the age limit it may prove tough for the Government to implement due to strong opposition among youth groups.
Whether or not the proposals come to fruition, safety conscious young drivers are continuing to pay for the actions of their peers through increased car insurance premiums.
Some car insurance companies have introduced cheap car insurance policies that target young drivers but come with a driving curfew between the hours of 11pm and 5am.
Young drivers hoping to secure cheap car insurance should take all measures possible to prove they are responsible behind the wheel such as undertaking an advanced driver"s course, which can cut premiums by as much as 35%.
It also helps to add an older relative as the named driver on a car insurance policy. That will allow the young driver to receive cheaper premiums - however, any claim made will wipe out the named driver"s no-claims discount.
It is believed that a lack of experience and bravado behind the wheel are producing more accidents among young drivers. Raising the age limit may be the only course of action to break a vicious cycle.