MORE than 5,000 young drivers have been banned from the north's roads over the last four years.
Around 100 motorists a month under the age of 25 were disqualified between 2011 and 2014, according to figures obtained by the New Driver NI website.
Around 85 per cent were men.
Most were disqualified because they did not have insurance, had been driving with excess alcohol, or were found to be driving dangerously.
New Driver NI works with road safety charity Brake to promote safe motoring.
Spokesman Stephen Savage said he was "astonished" by the statistics.
"We know how much time, concentration and effort is made in both practice and theory by those trying to obtain a licence in the first instance, which is why these figures make such difficult reading," he said.
"Clearly, more guidance and a regular reminder on the basics are still needed to ensure everyone's safety.
"For everyone's sake, we are urging all young drivers to make sure that they are properly covered for the vehicle they are driving and to be acutely aware of the rules around driving with alcohol or drugs, using a mobile phone and what constitutes dangerous driving."
