Plans for learner drivers to take lessons on motorways have been broadly welcomed by road safety experts and represent a step “that should have been taken a long time ago”.

 

The Government has announced that from next year learners will be allowed on motorways in England, Scotland and Wales as long as they are in a dual control car with an approved instructor.

 

The move – consulted on earlier this year – is being introduced to provide new drivers with a broader range of experience and better prepare them for independent travel after they pass their test.

 

Motorways are statistically among the UK’s safest roads. But according to road safety charity IAM RoadSmart new drivers struggle to adapt to motorways more than other roads.

 

The Government’s plan should make a significant difference to accident rates among new and inexperienced drivers, the group says. “It makes no sense that new drivers learn by trial and, sometimes fatal, error how to use our fastest and most important roads,” commented its director of policy and research Neil Greig.

 

Motoring group the AA’s president Edmund King said: “Motorway experience has been the Achilles heel of learner driver tuition for decades.”

 

The organisation claims that almost half of motorists know friends or family who avoid driving on motorways, and fears have increased since the introduction of ‘smart motorways’ without hard shoulders. “The AA congratulates Government for taking the step that should have been taken a long time ago,” added Edmund King.

 

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said: “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.”

 

However road safety organisation Brake has called for the Government to go a step further and introduce a ‘graduated’ driver licencing approach.

 

“Rather than allowing learner drivers on the motorway, there should instead be a requirement for all newly qualified drivers to receive mandatory lessons, including on the motorway, once they’ve passed their test,” said director of campaigns Jason Wakeford.

 

“There needs to be much wider reform to the learning to drive system, including a minimum learning period and restrictions for newly qualified drivers, such as a late night curfew,” he added.

 

(Photo: DVSA)