Zero demerit proposal

P-platers would automatically lose their licence if they broke the law even once during their first year of driving under a new proposal to be put to the NSW government.

The NRMA's zero demerit plan is among a number of proposals to be put to the Young Driver Advisory Panel when it meets on Tuesday.

NRMA president Alan Evans said a one-strike-and-you're-out policy for young drivers would be an effective deterrent against irresponsible behaviour on the road.

"Deducting the two demerit points currently given to P-platers in their first years of driving will encourage young drivers to act responsibly and only punish those who drive recklessly," Mr Evans said.

The NRMA was also calling for a review of the driving training process and standards for driving instructors and an education campaign on buying safer cars.

"Young people going for their driver's licence are often being taught how to pass a test," Mr Evans said.

"This is very different to learning how to be a good driver."

"We have an opportunity to ensure that driving instructors are teaching young people more about attitude and how it is related to driver safety skills."

Mr Evans said passenger restrictions and provisional driver curfews would disadvantage young drivers and were difficult to police, and may simply result in P-platers removing their plates.

Deaths last year involving P-plate drivers increased by almost 30 per cent to 94 from the previous year, which recorded 73, according to the roads authority.

Source: AAP 2007