Learner drivers could soon be allowed on motorways in an effort to improve the skills and safety of new motorists.

 

Transport Minister Andrew Jones announced last Friday his intention to allow learners to take to motorways in cars fitted with dual controls and when sat alongside an approved driving instructor.

 

“More and varied practice helps drivers to be safer on the roads. Encouraging more people to learn how to use motorways properly will benefit all drivers,” Andrew Jones said.

 

According to the Department for Transport motorways are the safest roads to drive on but many new drivers say they are scared of driving on motorways and avoid using them. In addition few people currently take motorway lessons after passing their driving test.

 

The Department recognises that allowing learner drivers on motorways is not without risk and could lead to an increase in casualties. But on balance it says allowing learner drivers to access motorways “is more likely to improve road safety”. A consultation on the proposal is open until 17 February.

 

AA President Edmund King welcomed the idea. “With the changing nature of motorways, such as with Smart Motorways and All Lane Running, this could bring additional safety information that people need to learn, including what to do if you break down,” he said.

 

“What better way to do that than drive along a Smart Motorway section and for an instructor to point out what to do.”

 

Safety group IAM RoadSmart’s director of policy and research Neil Greig also supported the proposal. “It makes no sense that new drivers (currently) learn by trial and – often fatal – error how to use our fastest and most important roads,” he said. “Allowing learners on motorways with an approved instructor is a sensible and measured solution.”

 

According to RAC Foundation director Steve Gooding motorways “can feel anything but safe to a newly qualified driver heading down the slip road for the first time to join a fast moving, often heavy, flow of traffic”.

 

He added: “Many are so intimidated by the motorway environment that they choose instead to use statistically more dangerous roads, so we welcome this move which will help new drivers get the training they need to use motorways safely.”

 

(Photo: DVSA)