New law to develop smarter motorway drivers in UK

A new law, scheduled to become effective in June this year, can help develop a smarter generation of motorway road users, Highways England predicts.

The amendments allow learners to drive on motorways before appearing for the test.

The learners’ first experience of driving at higher speeds was previously restricted to using dual carriageways.

After qualifying in their driving test, they received the permission to drive on a motorway.

With the new law, learners will be able to drive on motorways with an approved driving instructor (ADI). It will also help the ADIs to instruct the learners under practical situations.

This first driving experience should be carried out using a dual-controlled car with L plates, under the new law.

Highways England Road Safety head Richard Leonard said: “Safety is our number one priority and we welcome today’s change, which will help equip learner drivers to drive safely on motorways when they have passed their tests.

“We look forward to supporting the motorway drivers of tomorrow as they develop these new driving skills and get invaluable practical knowledge and experience of using motorways.”

The changes are also expected to enable learners to acquire broader driving experience before appearing for the test, receive training on how to enter and leave the motorway, as well as use the motorway lanes accurately.

They will also receive the opportunity to practice driving at higher speeds.

Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) chief executive Gareth Llewellyn said: “By allowing learners to have lessons on motorways, we are modernising driver training and making sure learners get the skills and experience they need to drive on fast, busy roads.”

In December 2016, the UK Department for Transport consulted on these changes, which were backed by learner drivers, the driver training industry, road safety organisations and the general public.

The changes are applicable only to England, Wales and Scotland.