15/08/2017

In order to prepare them better for independent driving, learner car drivers (but not learner motor-cyclists) will be able to have lessons on motorways with an approved driving instructor in a dual control car, under a planned new law that will come into force in England, Scotland and Wales during 2018.

Motorway lessons will be voluntary and motorway driving will not be included in changes to the driving test that come into force from 4 December 2017.

It will be up to the driving instructor to decide when the learner driver is competent enough for motorway lessons. The Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency won’t give instructors extra training although learning materials and the car driving syllabus will be updated to take account of motorway driving lessons.

Currently, learner drivers cannot drive on a motorway until they have passed their test and  the new law will be based on a Dept for Transport consultation that received strong support earlier this year.

‘Allowing learner drivers to have driving lessons on motorways’ outlines the Dept for Transport’s proposals and responses to the consultation.