Nearly a third of young drivers think they are better behind the wheel than their elders, claiming they are more careful.

Research released by RED Driving School shows that 29% of the 500 young people surveyed say that they believe they have fewer bad habits and drive more closely according to the Highway Code than their parents and grandparents.

With the spotlight currently on potential future curbs to new drivers' liberties in an attempt to lower the rate of serious accidents among the inexperienced, the study shows an intriguing different perspective on the issue of whether those who have recently passed their test should be more closely controlled.

The research has been completed in time for Road Safety Week; another reason why the high rate of accidents among young drivers is under the spotlight.

Ian McIntosh, CEO of RED Driving School said: "We thought it was important to ask young drivers, both learners and newly qualified, about their thoughts on how well they drive.

"Itâ' good to see that young drivers are confident in their driving ability and believe that, because they're going through or have recently been through the driving tuition and test procedure, they're better placed to drive safely and competently.

"We know that, overall, young drivers have a higher tendency to drive less safely but it is not necessarily regulation and new laws that is needed to change this, rather education and more rigorous, regular training. Instructors are key to this as they are responsible for the development of new drivers' skills."

Separate research conducted for Road Safety Week suggests that 76% of people want to see restrictions placed on new drivers, including limits on passenger numbers, a curfew on driving at night and a mandatory 12-month minimum learning period.