Learner drivers could face a longer test on higher-speed roads from spring 1999, the Government announced yesterday.

The new test could also see the scrapping of such moves as reversing round a corner.

Announcing a period of consultation on the changes, Roads Minister Baroness Hayman said: ''We need to consider now how best to prepare new drivers for the challenges that the driving environment produces.''

The proposals include a longer test than the current 30-40 minutes with time on a dual carriageway, more feedback, less emphasis on manoeuvres, and more on driving in a wider range of road and traffic conditions.