Watch out! L-drivers allowed on motorway

DRIVERS will be allowed on to Britain’s motorways before they pass their test, under Government proposals.

Measures put forward by ministers mean novice motorists will be able to take lessons on motorways with an approved driving instructor in a dual-control car from next year.

But some road safety groups say the plans do not go far enough and believe it should be compulsory for new drivers to take lessons on fast roads after their test.

If the measure passes through Parliament next year it is hoped it will help drivers learn how to join and leave the motorway safely, and stop people from tailgating and hogging the middle lane.

As many as 13,000 drivers a day avoid motorways out of fear, despite them being our safest roads, the AA reports.

A survey released in June suggested that 73 per cent of drivers support motorway driving being introduced into the driving test, which, from December, will include sat nav driving and new manoeuvres.

Motorway driving will not be part of the test, but dualcontrol instructors will have the option of giving students motorway experience.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said: ‘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.’

Learners are currently not allowed on motorways until they have passed their test.

RAC road safety spokesman Pete Williams said some drivers find it ‘daunting’ to use motorways for the first time. He said: ‘ 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.’

AA president Edmund King described a lack of motorway experience as the ‘Achilles heel’ of learner-driver tuition, adding: ‘Almost half of motorists know friends or family who avoid driving on motorways. On lane discipline, many of the middle-lane hogs say that they thought it was for doing 60 miles per hour. They’ve never been taught lane discipline.’

But Jason Wakeford, of road safety charity Brake, said: ‘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.’

However, Trevor Wedge, former Driving Standards Agency chief examiner, said making it compulsory was impractical – as many parts of the country do not have motorways.

‘It’s the Achilles heel of tuition’