Limiting the number of passengers novice drivers can carry is the most popular measure among the public for improving young motorists' safety, according to a survey.

As many as 58% of those questioned felt a passenger limit should be introduced for drivers aged 17-21, the poll by Direct Line found.

More than half of the 2,003 adults surveyed thought young drivers should display a symbol, such as the voluntary P for probationary, for a period after passing their driving test.

And 53% also reckoned that 17 to 21-year-olds should only be allowed to drive on a motorway when they have become more experienced.

Nearly half (47%) said lessons on motorways should be compulsory before taking the test, while the same number felt curfews should be imposed on young motorists to deter late-night driving.

Other measures that received some support in the survey included stricter penalties for drivers committing an offence when under a certain age, lower speed limits for young drivers and a retest for young drivers every year until they reach a certain age.

In addition, the poll found 30% reckoned the driving test should be made harder, with only 11% believing it should be easier. When it came to safety devices, 43% believed it should be compulsory for drivers aged 17-21 to have telematics devices installed in their car.

Paul Felton, head of telematics at Direct Line, said: "The safety of young drivers is a key focus for all of us involved in motoring and we should be doing everything we can to reduce the disproportionate number of accidents this group has."