Call for driving age to be reduced to 12

Drivers as young as 12 should be put behind the wheel and taught basic road skills to reduce the number of accidents on Victoria's roads, a motorsport chief says.

Confederation of Australian Motorsport boss Eugene Arocca says young people should be learning to drive in a controlled environment before they are handed their L Plates, aged 16.

The former North Melbourne chief is leading the controversial push for driving lessons to be made compulsory from as young as age 12.

Arocca says it would enable young drivers to gain more supervised practice and hopes it would reduce the number of accidents involving young people.

Statistics reveal under 25s account for more than a quarter of all road deaths.

Poll: Should 12-year-olds be allowed to get behind the wheel of a car?