The driving test will be split into three parts and include a new assessment of the candidate's "situational awareness" and ability to drive safely on their own, under Government proposals to reduce the crash-rate among novice drivers.

The questions for the theory test will cease to be published, meaning candidates will no longer be able to memorise the answers without understanding the principles of road safety. The theory test will also include several more searching questions based on photographs of common situations which drivers encounter.

The on-road test will be divided into a 20-minute examination focusing on manoeuvres, such as the three-point turn, and a 30-minute test of general driving ability. Drivers who fail only have to resit the part they fail, unlike at present when failure means retaking the whole test.

The situational awareness test will involve the examiner presenting the candidate with a road containing a number of hazards and then asking them to pull over and explain how they would approach the situation. They would be required to show understanding of how to respond safely to sudden events such as a pedestrian appearing from between parked cars or a car taking unexpected action at a roundabout.

Another new element will be an assessment of "independent driving". The examiner will ask the candidate to navigate to a particular location that is well signposted, such as a hospital or train station. This is designed to show a candiate's ability to drive on their own with no help, including looking for road signs and, if necessary, turning around after taking the wrong route.

Instructors will be given a new star rating based partly on their pass rate. This is designed to give candidates more information about the varying abilities and experience of instructors.

Learners may be required to obtain a "test readiness certificate" from their instructor to show that they have gained enough experience and skills to pass the test. However, parents and other drivers with at least three years' experience may also be allowed to sign the certificate.

A formal syllabus will be developed, including a workbook for candidates to follow so they learn everything they need to know to be a safe driver and pass their test. Candidates will be encouraged to obtain experience of driving at night, in bad weather and on rural roads but this will not be compulsory.

The proposals also include a foundation course in safe road use for under 17-year-olds, which will be piloted in schools and colleges in Scotland from this Autumn. This will lead to a qualification that will be available across Britain but will be entirely based on theory and will not include any practical driving experience.

It will cover the Highway Code, planning journeys, social attitude, peer pressure, fatigue, being safe on the road, and eco-driving.

The DSA proposes that young people will be able to start studying for this foundation qualification from autumn this year. Other parts of the programme, such as changes to the driving test, could be in place within two or three years.

Ruth Kelly, the transport secretary said: “Every year more than 750,000 people pass their driving test. New drivers are keen to gain the freedom driving offers them to access further education, jobs or keep in touch with family and friends.

“But too many new drivers are involved in road accidents and are not properly prepared for driving alone.

"We must make sure that novice drivers are safe drivers when they have passed their test. We must also create an expectation of lifelong learning, so that people continue advance learning after their test.

“That is why I am publishing proposals which offer new drivers more opportunities to learn both before and after the test, including at school.

“Those who undertake extra training will not only be safer drivers but will have the added incentive that they could see a financial reward in terms of lower insurance premiums.”

Consultation on the proposals will run until September 8.

Road deaths and serious injuries have fallen by 33 per cent since the mid-1990s, but the casualty rate for young drivers has not changed.

As many as 20 per cent of people have an accident within six months of passing the test and a further 70 per cent report near-misses in the same period.

Newly qualified drivers and their passengers account for 20 per cent of all car deaths in Britain.

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