Changes to the practical driving test are being introduced in December but new research says one in three drivers would like to see more to tackle bad and dangerous driving habits.

Aa third of drivers (33%) believe that changes to the UK practical driving test, set to be introduced on December 4, do not go far enough to address poor and dangerous driving habits, according to research by Confused.com

By making the driving test more realistic, the government hopes to reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured. A 'three-point turn' in the road and reversing round a corner are being ditched in favour of manoeuvres that the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) claims are more useful. These include driving into and reversing out of a parking bay, as well as the driver pulling over to the right-hand side of the road and reversing two car lengths.

However, if the DVSA intends on making the driving test more realistic, there are still crucial practices excluded from the updates.

While 46% of drivers welcome the introduction of following a sat-nav and 38% doubling the time of independent driving, 73% believe motorway driving should be tested. In fact, 51% admit they would have felt more confident as a new driver if they had been taught to drive on the motorway.

And 66% of motorists believe learner drivers should be taught how to drive in darker conditions. In fact, some believe lack of experience among learners is not limited to night driving – 40% say poor driving is caused by new motorists not being taught the necessary skills before they take to the road alone.

The research also highlights 18% believe it's beneficial to be taught how to get the best deals on car insurance, petrol, parking, car finance and car maintenance. This will give new drivers a better insight into the realistic cost implications of driving and teach them more affordable ways of owning a car.

Addressing issues of poor driving, 80% of drivers also believe learners should be taught general driving etiquette such as lane discipline and 38% think poor driving behaviour is caused by new drivers picking up bad habits. This will prevent new drivers from falling into the trap of tailgating, a bugbear of 65% of drivers, or hogging the middle lane which frustrates 52%.

Worryingly, 22% admit poor driving has caused them to shout or curse at another driver with 64% of drivers annoyed by the lack of indicating. 47% by littering and 34% by failing to give a thank you wave when giving way.

Bad driving behaviour can also put people in danger – 38% have had a collision or near-miss from switching lanes at the last moment 23% have had an accident or near miss as a result of tailgating. By teaching new drivers to avoid bad habits, the roads will become safer for all road users.

The driving test pass rate has slowly risen over the last decade, from 43% in 2007 to 47% in 2016, so it will be interesting to see if the new changes have an impact on pass rates and whether standards of driving will improve.

Amanda Stretton, motoring editor at Confused.com, said: 'We hope that the new test will help new drivers to adapt to the modern conditions of our roads, especially through the independent driving task and using a sat-nav. But it is worrying that one in three drivers believe these new changes are still not going far enough.

'To make the roads safer, drivers believe more practical changes should have been included in the new updates set to be implemented in December. To help improve the quality of driving on our roads, there is a valid argument that new drivers should be taught general road etiquette and how to treat fellow drivers. This could help to minimise stress levels, road rage, and the risk of accidents, providing all drivers an easy ride.