Motorway Lesson For Learner Drivers

Learner drivers in England and Wales can take lessons on motorways as the government improves road safety.

16:25 22 December 2015

Under government plans to improve road safety, learner drivers in England and Wales will be permitted to take lessons on motorways as long as they are with an approved instructor. Other plans include a crackdown on dangerous drivers by providing police forces with more money for enforcement.

 

The Department for Transport also proposes increasing penalty points and fines for drivers who use a handheld phone while driving, revising the law to improve cycling safety, and strengthening compulsory basic training for learner motorcyclists.

 

The document containing the proposals stated: "We will encourage a higher percentage of learner drivers to aim to pass their driving test the first time around, when they are truly ready for independent driving," the document states.

 

"In doing so, we will consider whether more should be done to support and reward a broader range of driving experiences, such as night driving and motorways, ahead of candidates obtaining their driving licence and whether restructuring the costs of the driving test would incentivise learners to undertake more pre-test practice."

 

Meanwhile, Steve Gooding, director of the RAC Foundation, said: "Mile-for-mile, motorways are our safest roads but can be intimidating places for novice drivers.

 

"The important thing is the official seal of approval provided by the approved driving instructor who will accompany them down the slip-road.

 

"This is definitely not the time to have mum or dad in the passenger seat."