Helsinki  - Finland, home to several world champion rallies and Formula One racing drivers, is currently studying changes to its system for learner drivers.

A possible change could include adjusting some of the basic training according to gender.

Esko Keskinen, a traffic psychologist with the Finnish Vehicle Administration (AKE), indicated the needs in a recent interview with the Aamulehti newspaper, but said each beginner driver would need to discuss specific needs with their teacher.

"Many women need more training on how to handle the vehicle on slippery roads," Keskinen said, suggesting more time was needed on skidpans where drivers practice how to cope with skids on slippery surfaces.

"Young men on the other hand need education in caution, patience and being more foresighted," he added.

The envisaged changes were due by 2013. Changes include more driving lessons. New drivers also need to take some driving lessons after passing their driving test. These changes could mean that beginner drivers can take driving lessons from age 17, six months earlier than at present.

The reforms aim to reduce the number of accidents. (dpa)