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It's both - a newly qualified 26-yo will be a considerably better risk than a newly qualified 17-yo, because overall they will have a more mature attitude. But they will still be a much worse risk than a 26-yo with five years' experience.

Don't assume that most drivers pass at 17 either - the number of 17-20 yos with driving licences has halved in the past 20 years, and more and more are deferring it, with the prohibitive cost of insurance being a major factor.

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"Show me someone who says that they have never exceeded a speed limit, and I'll show you a liar, or a menace." (Austin Williams - Director, Transport Research Group)

Any views expressed in this post are personal opinions and may not represent the views of Safe Speed

Which leads us back to the same conclusion. That this will make bugger all difference.

are there any meaningful comparable stats from the Isle of Man, where you can start driving at 16?

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Not that I know of, and even if they did exist, it'd be impossible to account for the differences in environment and culture. And especially so given the small sample sizes on the IoM.

However, stats from the USA might be more helpful where the minimum driving age varies from state to state. Anyone?

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Paul Smith
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