Newly qualified drivers could have to display probationary plates Probationary plates are one of the things we are considering, possibly linked with other measures such as not allowing young and new drivers to carry young passengers in order to deal with that sort of problem. Detailed proposals are expected to be contained in a consultation document published in the early summer by the DfT. Ministers believe improving the safety record of novice motorists would help bring down the huge bill young drivers face for insurance. Statistics compiled by the Association of British Insurers show that drivers under 25 account for a third a accidents on the roads, even though they make up only one in eight motorists. Its research showed 18-year old driver is three times more likely to be involved in a crash than a motorist 30 years older. In 2011, drivers between 17 and 19 were involved in 12,000 crashes of which more than half resulted in serious or fatal injuries. In Northern Ireland newly qualified drivers must, for the first 12 months after their test, display an "R" plate - standing for restricted - and are subject to a 45mph speed limit. Confirming fresh measures are being examined, Stephen Hammond, the roads minister said: We want to improve the safety of young drivers - that is why we have made the driving test more realistic by introducing an independent driving element and have stopped publishing test routes to stop candidates learning them by rote. As part of the ongoing work to reduce the risks of accidents involving young drivers, we are considering several options to ensure that newly qualified drivers are properly prepared and drive safely.