With planned changes to the driving test set to come into force on December 4th 2017, there are concerns the new practical assessment will not make UK roads safer.

Research by Confused.com concluded one in three motorists do not believe the test does enough to improve road safety.

The government recently announced that from December, those taking their test will no longer have to do a three-point turn or reverse around a corner. Iinstead they will be required to reverse out of a parking bay, follow directions given by sat-nav and answer vehicle safety questions while driving.

By increasing the focus on more independent driving time, the changes may help to reduce the number of people killed or injured on UK roads.

However, the Confused.com survey reveals many drivers remain unconvinced about the changes. Instead, there was strong support for motorway driving and night driving to be added to the test, while 80 per cent of motorists believe driving etiquette should have been included in the new assessment to reduce tailgating and middle lane-hogging behaviour.

Amanda Stretton, motoring editor at Confused.com, believes the changes to the test may not be comprehensive enough to reduce motoring incidents.

She explained: “To help improve the quality of driving on our roads, there is a valid argument that new drivers should be taught general road etiquette and how to treat fellow drivers. This could help to minimise stress levels, road rage, and the risk of accidents, providing all drivers an easy ride.”

Ben Robb, brand manager at The Fuelcard People, adds: "The new changes are set to be trialed for two years by the DVSA so it will be interesting to see if further adjustments are made to the test in the long term to address concerns raised by other motorists.”