A large proportion of Britons believe young drivers caught without car insurance should face tougher penalties, according to research.

The study by Money Supermarket also shows that just under a fifth of respondents think the legal driving age ought to be increased from 17 to 21.

Out of 2,000 people polled, a further 16 per cent suggested that either the government or the motoring industry should subsidise younger drivers to stop them getting behind the wheel without adequate car insurance.

Steve Sweeney, head of motor insurance for the comparison site, commented that a solution, rather than harsher punishments, would be the correct way to approach the car insurance problem.

"The government could take a look at driving tests and whether they should be changed to reflect actual driving habits," he remarked.

"More lessons for younger drivers, the inclusion of motorway driving and lessons at night could reduce the underwriting risks associated with younger drivers," he added.

The site's research highlighted that the number of motorists – across all age groups – driving without car insurance has gone up by a third since 2008, a phenomenon attributed to financial pressures brought on by the recession.

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