Learner drivers to be allowed to take to the motorway as part of lessons

Learner drivers will be allowed to have lessons on UK motorways as part of a move to improve road safety.

From 2018, they will be able to drive on motorways in England, Wales and Scotland under the supervision of an approved driving instructor in a dual-control car.

It is hoped the move will provide learner drivers – who are currently not allowed on motorways until they pass their test – with a greater range of real-life experiences, and better prepare them for solo driving once they obtain their full licence.

Transport secretary Chris Grayling said: “The UK has some of the 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 25, 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.”

Motoring organisations have embraced the change. RAC 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.”

Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) chief driving examiner Lesley Young said: “DVSA’s priority is to help people 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.”

However, while the announcement has generally received praise from motoring organisations, road safety charity Brake says the move doesn’t go far enough.

Jason Wakeford, director of campaigns for Brake, said: “Young drivers are involved in a high proportion of crashes that kill and seriously injure because of inexperience and the tendency of many to take risks. Improved training before and after getting a licence is essential to improving road safety.

“Rather than allowing learner drivers on the motorway, there should instead be a requirement for all newly qualified drivers to receive mandatory lessons, including on the motorway, once they’ve passed their test.

“There needs to be a much wider reform to the learning-to-drive system, including a minimum learning period and restrictions for newly qualified drivers, such as a late-night curfew.

“This graduated driver licensing approach has helped dramatically reduce road casualties in other countries and could save lives here in the UK too.

“There should also be better access to affordable public transport so fewer young people see starting driving in their teens as a necessity.”