The Government has recently announced that learner drivers will be able to have lessons on motorways in a bid to improve road safety.
The change in law will be active from 2018 and learners will be allowed on motorways but with an approved driving instructor in a dual control car. I know this issue will be of particular interest to learner drivers here in Wycombe considering the M40 is on our doorstep and is the important arterial route through our area to London and to the North.
Currently learners cannot drive on a motorway until after they have passed their test. The first experience of driving on a motorway for many people is as a new driver. They will benefit from the guidance of a driving instructor in the safety of a dual control car. The Government believes that learners on motorways with an approved instructor will better protect young drivers and other motorway users.
I am a keen driver and member of the Institute of Advanced Motorists. If you go to the Institute’s website you will see it has undertaken research into road traffic accidents and collisions. It is clear the Institute makes a distinction for drivers under 30 and, indeed, over 70. It is also clear that inexperience is one of the largest contributory factor in traffic accidents, and this of course, applies to everyone whatever age they gain their licence.
I hope that the measure is welcomed by new and experienced drivers. I am sure that all new drivers will welcome guidance so they can gain experience of motorway driving conditions. For further information, please visit the Department for Transport’s press release
