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Learner drivers will be allowed to have driving lessons on motorways under new plans set out on December 30th by transport minister Andrew Jones.
Currently, it is only possible to have driving lessons on motorways after the driving test has been passed. Some newly-qualified drivers take lessons through the voluntary Pass Plus scheme.
Under the new plans, learner drivers would need to be accompanied by an approved driving instructor and in a car fitted with dual controls.
Any motorways lessons would be voluntary. It would be up to the driving instructor to decide when the learner driver is competent enough to have a motorway lesson.
The Government said any change to the law would be well-publicised before coming into effect. Until then, it’s still illegal for a learner driver to drive on a motorway.
The proposed changes aim to help contribute towards the Government’s commitment to reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured on our roads, and ensure safer journeys.
Jones, said: “We have some of the safest roads in the world and we want to make them even safer. These changes will equip learners with a wider range of experience and greater skill set which will improve safety levels on our roads.”
The Department for Transport (DfT) is also asking for views on whether:
- The current driving instructor training and testing system gives instructors the skills they need to provide motorway lessons to learner drivers.
- Specially-adapted vehicles must be fitted with dual controls if they’re used for motorway lessons.
- L plate roofboxes on cars must be removed before a motorway lesson
RAC director Steve Gooding, said: “The casualty statistics tell us that motorways are our safest roads, but they can feel anything but safe to a newly qualified driver heading down the slip road for the first time to join a fast moving, often heavy, flow of traffic.”
