Learner drivers will be able to have lessons on motorways in a
bid to improve road safety, Transport Secretary announced today.
The law change will be active from 2018, when learners will be
allowed on motorways with an approved driving instructor in a
dual control car. This will provide a broader range of real life
experiences and better prepare learners for independent driving
when they pass their test.
Currently learners cannot drive on a motorway until after they
have passed their test. This means the first experience of
motorway driving for many is as a new driver without the guidance
of a driving instructor or the safety of a dual control car.
Transport Secretary said:
“The UK has some of safest roads in the world and we want to
make them even safer.”
“Younger drivers are up to seven times more likely to be
killed or seriously injured compared with drivers over
twenty-five and lack of experience is an important factor.
“Allowing learners to drive on motorways in a supportive
environment will help them develop a practical understanding of
how to use motorways safely before driving independently.”
Improving road safety is a priority for this government, and
allowing learners on motorways with an approved instructor will
better protect young drivers and other motorway users. It will
ensure the current generation of adults about to start their
driving career have the best possible introduction to what should
be a lifetime of safe driving.
RAC road safety spokesman Pete Williams said:
“We welcome the news that learner drivers will be allowed to take
lessons on the motorway under the supervision of an approved
driving instructor in a dual-controlled car, something that
motorists we surveyed were overwhelmingly supportive of.
“While motorways are statistically our safest roads, it can be
daunting using them for the first time after passing the driving
test. Giving learners the option to gain valuable experience on
our fastest and busiest roads should further improve safety and
enhance the confidence of new drivers.”
The Department for Transport consulted on these changes earlier
this year, receiving wide support from both learner drivers and
approved driving instructors. These changes apply to
England, Wales and Scotland only.
DVSA Chief Driving Examiner, Lesley Young, said:
“DVSA’s priority is to help you through a lifetime of safe
driving.
“Our roads are among the safest in the world, but we’re
determined to do more to improve safety for all road users.
“We want to modernise driver training so that novice drivers gain
the skills and experience they need to help them and everyone
else to stay safe on our motorways.”
Jasmine Halstead, head of learning and development
for British School of Motoring, said:
“Per mile travelled motorways are our safest roads.
“If learners aren’t allowed to practise on motorways under
supervision then some will avoid motorways, and others will
use motorways incorrectly when they have passed their test.
“Hence it is great news for road safety that learners will be
able to drive on motorways under supervision.”
