Motorways will open to learner drivers in June

Learner drivers will be able to have lessons on Britain’s motorways starting this summer, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency has confirmed.

From Monday, June 4, holders of a provisional driving licence will be allowed on motorways in England, Scotland and Wales – but must be accompanied by a qualified driving instructor while in a vehicle with dual controls.

Motorway lessons will be a voluntary option for instructors to offer, though, as motorway driving won’t be added to the official test as part of the change. The DVSA hasn’t confirmed if it will be added in any future revisions, either.

This change only applies to learner car drivers, with motorcyclists in training still not allowed on motorways. Trainee driver instructors will also be unable to conduct lessons on motorways until they are qualified.

The DVSA says the change has been made to give learner drivers broader experience before becoming independent behind the wheel, allowing them to practise driving at higher speeds as well as teaching them how to properly merge on to and leave motorways. It has also confirmed that the Highway Code will be updated to reflect the change.

Lynne Barrie, chair of the Approved Driving Instructors National Joint Council, said: “After many years of campaigning, I am delighted to finally see this change in the law to allow learner drivers on to the motorways. Although motorways are statistically the safest of our roads, they can be very daunting when first used. To allow learners to have this experience will help them develop skills in the pre-test period which makes far more sense and will allow them to manage driving on high speed roads more effectively once they have a licence.

“We also applaud the government decision that only approved driving instructors in dual-controlled cars will be able to take them on the motorway and we will do so at a time when the learner is confident enough to do this at around test standard. With this extra experience on the fastest roads it should help to improve safety and the confidence of new drivers”.

Pete Williams, road safety spokesman for the RAC, 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.”

Last year, the DVSA altered the driving test, introducing a longer independent section that now lso sees examinees follow directions from a sat nav. In addition, it has revised reversing manoeuvres, as well as “show me, tell me” questions that require examiners to quiz learners on vehicle safety.