A GRIEVING father whose son was one of three teenagers killed in a car crash last year has called on the UK government to allow a graduated driving licence pilot in Scotland.

Alex Knox urged the UK government to “pursue reform” after a similar scheme restricting night-time driving and allowing only one young passenger on board for under-24s in the first six months after passing their test, is already under way in the six counties.

The scheme’s introduction in Canada saw an 80 per cent reduction in deaths among 16-19 year-old drivers.

Mr Knox said: “Too many families across the UK have suffered the unutterable pain of losing a child on the road.

“As Northern Ireland takes forward a pilot, I would urge the UK government to give Scotland the same opportunity.”

A Department for Transport spokeswoman said: “We want to keep young people safe while supporting their access to work, education and social opportunities.

“That’s why we’re not introducing blanket restrictions on new drivers.

“Instead, we’re focusing on better preparation before the test, including consulting on a minimum learning period.”