MORE than 1,000 driving bans were handed out to children aged 16 and under last year, it is reported.

According to figures obtained by the BBC, a total of 1,024 disqualifications were issued in 2007 to children not yet legally old enough to drive - a rise from 696 in 2014.

The DVLA data, revealed to the broadcaster following a Freedom of Information request, also showed 33 driving bans were given to youngsters aged 13 and under - some as young as 12 - during the same period.

Motoring company RAC said the figures could be the "tip of the iceberg".

Spokesman Simon Williams told the broadcaster: "It presents such a danger to every other road user, because they're not only driving without a licence, they don't have insurance.

"No doubt this is the tip of the iceberg because they have to be caught breaking the law and inevitably many will be getting away scot-free."

Courts can impose driving bans for those convicted of driving without a licence - including those underage - as well as issue penalty points or fines.