Scotland’s Formula One Racing star David Coulthard may well be waving farewell to the fast lane of grand prix racing at the end of the season, but the Twynholm racer is also encouraging young drivers to share their ideas on how we can produce better, safer drivers.

The Red Bull racer is backing the government's campaign and four month nationwide consultation tour in a bid to collect public thoughts on how to overhaul driver testing and training and make Britain's roads safer.

Coulthard may be retiring, but he urges those starting out on their driving career to have their views heard on proposals for improved driver training and testing. Although the number of people killed in road accidents fell by 7% between 2006 and 2007, it still remains that 30,720 people were killed or seriously injured on our roads.

"One in five deaths on British roads involves newly-qualified drivers,” Coulthard, winner of 13 grands prix and who recently finished on the podium in Canada, said. “I was appalled to hear the statistics are so high. I know how much young people enjoy the freedom driving brings, but it is also a huge responsibility that must be taken seriously.

"Changing the way people are taught to drive, and making the test more real, can only be of benefit. The Government has set out proposals to change this system and now it's up to you to have your say. We all use our roads in one way or another so it is important you register your view before the consultation closes."