A new intiative in Holland will enable youngsters to start taking formal driving lessons when they reach 16.5 years old in what is being deemed as a bif by the government to create safer drivers and reduce accidents amongst youngsters in the country.
Once they have passed theory and practical tests, 17-year-olds will be allowed on the roads under the supervision of an experienced older driver.
However they will still be unable to drive unsupervised until they are 18 years old. The current system allows youngsters to take lessons at 18 while also providing them with full independence when they pass their driving test.
Dutch Transport minister Melanie Schultz van Haegen hopes the extra year of supervised driving will help youngsters to gain more road experience and so cut accidents.