LEARNER drivers preparing to take new tougher theory tests can practice at home thanks to a free council CD-ROM.

Entrants to the driving theory test will now face 50 test questions and must get 43 of them right in order to be able to apply for a full licence.

The move has come in a bid to cut the number of casualties being created by inexperienced drivers.

During 2005, 1,077 people died in crashes involving a driver aged 17-25.

The initiative follows the aims of the Lancashire Telegraph's Wasted Lives Campaign, which aims to cut the carnage amongst young people through new laws and better education.

Lancashire County Council is offering friends and relatives who take learners out for extra practice sessions a free copy of the Perfect Partner CD-ROM.

The resource is the first of its kind in the UK and has been designed by the council's road safety group.

It supports professional tuition through practice sessions at home, and gives tips on both the theory and practical tests and current legislation.

It will also help accompanying drivers to practise the skills already taught by their professional instructor and driving attitudes of learner drivers.

Also included in the free pack, sponsored by KeyMed Ltd, is a copy of the Driving Standards Agency's Are You Ready?' DVD to help learners prepare in more details for the theory tests.

Neil Cunliffe, road safety group manager, said: "Learning to drive can be as daunting for the accompanying driver as it is for the learner during private practice.

"Studies have shown that gaining more supervised on-road experience at the learner stage' can significantly reduce new drivers' crash risk in the first two years after passing the test."

The former car and motorcycle bike tests involved 35 questions and candidates had to get 30 right. The test was changed on September 3. The time allowed for the multiple choice part of the tests has increased to 57 minutes.

The free CD-ROM is available from the road safety group. For more information visit lancashire.gov.uk/roadsafety call 0800 328 1365 or e-mail roadsafety@env.lancscc.gov.uk .