Learner drivers will be allowed to have lessons on motorways providing they are accompanied by an approved driving instructor and driving a car fitted with dual controls, under new plans announced by the Dept for Transport.

The lessons will be voluntary and it will be up to the approved instructor to decide when the learner river is competent. The aims are to enable learner drivers to

• 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

Until the plans are brought into force by law, it will remain an offence for a learner driver to drive on a motorway

‘Allowing learner drivers to have driving lessons on motorways’ seeks views on whether

• the current driving instructor training and testing system gives instructors the skills they need to provide motorway lessons to learner drivers

• specially adapted vehicles should have to be fitted with dual controls if they’re used for motorway lessons
• L plate roof boxes on cars should be removed before a motorway lesson

Responses by 17 February.