IMMIGRANTS from the EU should have to pass a mini-driving test before they are allowed to drive on Dorset's roads, it has been suggested.
Bournemouth councillor Nick King, a member of Dorset Police Authority, said he was concerned that European immigrants were currently permitted to drive in this country without any additional training.
His calls come after several serious accidents involving foreign drivers.
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Dorset Police has recently launched a course aimed at immigrant drivers which covers the rules for driving in the UK but this is purely a voluntary scheme.
Cllr King, who is also the Conservatives' prospective parliamentary candidate for Mid Dorset and North Poole, said: "What really should be happening is that immigrant drivers should be expected to undertake some kind of training or mini-test to ensure that they are used to our road conditions, our rules and our level of enforcement.
"When you look at some of the nasty crashes that have occurred, quite a few of them have involved immigrant drivers so there is a body of evidence to suggest that this is a factor."
The Driving in the UK, Helping You Drive Safely course was recently launched with Polish-speaking employees of Dorset Cereals. Dorset Police is now looking at whether to roll the initiative out further.
Chief Inspector Rick Dowell said: "We are aware that differences in cultures and legal requirements can lead to drivers from other countries becoming confused or uncertain, resulting in the commission of road traffic offences.
"With this course we aim to target people who have chosen to live and work in Dorset and ensure they understand the rules of driving in the UK."
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