The DVSA have today announced that learner drivers will be allowed to drive on motorways from this summer. Following a consultation in 2016, the Government have come to the decision that motorway driving time with an instructor will help new drivers get to grips with the rules of fast moving traffic.
The decision has been praised as 'common sense' by road safety charity IAM RoadSmart, who believe it will improve safety on our motorways. Neil Greig, IAM RoadSmart director of policy and research, commented: “IAM RoadSmart strongly welcomes this common sense change to the law on motorway driving.
“It has never made sense to us that new drivers on our most important roads learned how to use them by trial and potentially fatal error. The government’s insistence on the use of approved instructors and dual controlled cars is a welcome safeguard that will ensure consistent levels of training and a proper phased introduction to motorway driving skills.
“Delays and injuries caused by driver error blight our motorways and with new systems such as smart motorway being widely introduced, it is vital that the level of knowledge and skill among motorways users is improved to keep our key economic routes flowing.
“Any current drivers who feel the need to refresh their skills or improve their confidence and enjoyment on the motorway can take an IAM RoadSmart motorway module today.”
From 4th June this year learner drivers will be given the option to take lesson time with an approved driving instructor on the motorway, only when they are competent and ready to take on faster speeds.
What do you think about the changes? Is this a good move or is it likely to cause accidents?
