It would be up to the driving instructor to decide when the learner driver is competent enough to have a motorway lesson
Learner drivers will soon be able to take driving lessons on MOTORWAYS - before passing their driving test.
The change was announced by Transport Minister Andrew Jones earlier this week.
And it brings an end to a historic ban on anyone without a full driving licence.
At the moment, you can only have driving lessons on motorways after you’ve passed your driving test.
Some newly-qualified drivers take lessons through the voluntary Pass Plus scheme.
However, under the new plans, learner drivers would be allowed to drive at speeds of up to 70mph as long as they are accompanied by an approved driving instructor in a car with dual controls.
It would be up to the driving instructor to decide when the learner driver is competent enough to have a motorway lesson.
The Department for Transport says allowing learner drivers to have lessons on motorways will help to make sure more drivers know how to use motorways safely.
It claims the changes will allow learner drivers to:
The proposed changes will help to contribute towards the Government’s commitment to reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured on our roads, and ensure safer journeys, according to the Transport Minister.
- Get broader driving experience before taking their driving test.
- Get training on how to join and leave the motorway, overtake and use lanes correctly.
- Practice driving at higher speeds.
- Put their theoretical knowledge into practice.
Mr 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.”
RAC Foundation 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.
“Many are so intimidated by the motorway environment that they choose instead to use statistically more dangerous roads, so we welcome this move which will help new drivers get the training they need to use motorways safely.”
Wasn't one of the reasons for building motorways to create a learner-driver-free zone?
