Most parents of young, novice drivers worry their children are under-prepared for the roads after passing their test, according to a survey.

As many as four in five parents want learners to have lessons on motorways and after dark, the poll by insurance company Direct Line found.

And 80% back the proposal to have a lower, or zero, alcohol limit for new young drivers.

The survey was based on findings from a total of 1,000 parents of children aged 16-26 who have a driving licence or are expected to learn to drive soon.

The survey found:

* 23% of parents worried all the time about their child's safety on the road;

* 58% of parents believed their child was not properly equipped to drive on a motorway;

* 36% reckoned their children were under-equipped for driving in congested city centres and 39% admitted they worried for their ability to drive in the dark;

* 64% wanted a minimum learning-to-drive period;

* 50% said their children were distracted by their friends talking to them when they were driving.

Direct Line managing director Tom Woolgrove said: "Too many young people are killed or injured on Britain's roads today. We need to give young drivers the time to build their confidence and capability to become proficient and safe drivers.

"We welcome the Government's recognition that there is a safety issue involving young drivers by their announcement to publish a Green Paper on young drivers this summer.

"We agree, along with the majority of parents, that the introduction of a minimum learning period, a lower tolerance limit to alcohol and a restriction on passenger numbers, will all help to reduce the number of car accidents involving under 25s."