LEARNER drivers could soon have to undergo psychological testing pioneered by the RAF for fighter pilot selection before they are allowed to take driving lessons. If they pass the test they may have to wait up to five years before being given their full licence.

The adoption of fighter plane technology, such as electronic head-up display navigation systems and 'fly-by-wire' controls, the rise in cases of road rage and high death rates among young drivers would mean that learners would have to demonstrate they had the mental ability to safely control the car, together with mental stability, before being allowed on the roads. Roy Buchanan, principal road safety officer for the London Borough of Sutton, told delegates at this year's Driving Standards Agency Safe Driving for Life conference that driver training may have to begin with selection in order to weed out the ones who could not control their emotions.

He told the conference that the failure rate of RAF psychometric testing could be as high as 50%.But he said: 'The first priority must always be safety and saving lives. If we have to be draconian in the way we treat people who fail then so be it. I would rather take the flack from aggrieved people than let them drive and kill my children.'