Learner drivers to be let on to motorways
LEARNER drivers will be allowed on motorways for lessons in a bid to improve road safety.
Currently learners cannot use the 70mph roads until they have passed their test.
But from 2018 the law will change to allow students access in a dual-control car with an approved driving instructor.
Transport Secretary Chris Grayling , who introduced the new legislation, 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.”
The Government believes the move will help reduce casu- alties by giving learners early experience of motorway driving.
Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency chief driving examiner Lesley Young said: “DVSA’s priority is to help you through a lifetime of safe driving.
“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.”
RAC road safety 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.
“It is 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.”
The Department for Transport consulted on the changes earlier this year, receiving wide support from both learner drivers and driving instructors.
Jasmine Halstead, head of learning and development for British School of Motoring, said: “Per mile travelled motorways are our safest roads.
“If learners aren’t allowed to practise on motorways under supervision then some will avoid motorways, and
others will use motorways incorrectly when they have passed their test.”
The changes apply to England, Wales and Scotland only, not Northern Ireland.
The move comes as it was revealed this week that driving test examiners may get body cams to combat the rise in violence against them from people who fail their test.