Motorway driving lessons learner drivers coming to the UK in 2018
Motorway driving lessons will be made available for learner drivers in the UK by 2018, revealed a new government announcement. The Department for Transport (DfT) has said lessons with an approved driving instructor in a car with dual controls will be introduced in the new year. Under the current law only those who have opposed their practical driving test can drive on the motorway. While there are post-driving test schemes such as Pass Plus, a six hour motorway driving course, Government figures reveal that only three per cent of drivers take it.
Transport Secretary Chris Grayling has claimed that the lessons will make UK roads 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,” he 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.” "The UK has some of safest roads in the world and we want to make them even safer.”
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The DfT launched and attempt to change the current law to allow drivers on the motorway at the end of 2016.
Allowing learners on motorways with an approved instructor is a sensible and measured solution Neil Greig, IAM RoadSmart
There plan was met with a positive response by The Royal Society of Prevention of Accidents and the Approved Driving Instructors National Joint Council with the latter saying that it had been a “part of a campaign for this change for many years.” RAC spokesperson Pete Williams also backed the the changes to the driving test. “While motorways are statistically our safest roads, it can be daunting using them for the first time after passing the driving test,” said Pete Williams, from the organisation. “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.”
GETTY Motorway driving lessons will be available for learner drivers in 2018
The new changes will only apply to cars and not to motorcycles on England, Wales and Scotland. This is the latest of a number of changes to the driving test which are set to be introduced over the next year. From 4th of December, learner drivers will be tested on their ability to use and follow a sat nav as part of the revised test.
GETTY Learner drivers will be coached on how to safely use the motorway