Parents ready the chequebooks, 16-year-olds can now legally drive

The Government passed a law this weekend that entitles 16-year-olds to drive low-powered microcars such as the 5bhp Aixam Coupé S pictured above.

The news that will have teenagers up and down the country reaching for their string-backed driving gloves, has come about because a European Union directive forced ministers to introduce new vehicle categories, that include light quadricycles with a maximum weight of 350kg and a top speed of 28mph.