Learning to drive isn’t just about passing the test. it’s about feeling confident on every kind of road. Many new drivers often ask, Are learners allowed on the motorway? Since June 2018, learner drivers in England, Scotland, and Wales have been allowed to take motorway lessons with approved instructors. This change helps new drivers get comfortable with faster traffic and real motorway situations before they start driving alone. But what exactly does this rule mean for learners, and how do these lessons actually work? Let’s find out.
Can Learner Drivers Drive on the Motorway with a Provisional Licence?
Yes, learner drivers, under specific conditions, can drive on the motorway with a provisional license. As of June 2018, in England, Scotland, and Wales, learners can take motorway lessons with a DVSA-approved instructor in a dual-control motorway lessons vehicle. This is to help learners gain real and safe motorway experience prior to passing their test.
Who can supervise a learner driver on the motorway?
Every training car should have Dual Controls so that the instructor can take the wheel if needed. It should have L plates or a Driving School Rooftop box depending on the instructor’s setup.
Can you drive on the motorway with a licensed family member?
No, motorway driving with a family member or friend is not legal for learners. Only a qualified instructor in a dual-control car can accompany you during motorway lessons.
Rules for Learner Drivers on Motorways
There are specific conditions under which learner drivers are allowed to drive on motorways:
- There must be a DVSA-approved driving instructor with them. Trainee instructors and family aren’t permitted.
- The car must have dual controls.
- L plates must be shown unless the vehicle has a driving school rooftop box.
- Motorway lessons are optional. It’s your instructor’s decision if you are ready.
- This only applies to learner car drivers. learner motorcyclists are not permitted to drive on motorways
When were learners first allowed on the motorway?
In the UK, motorway access for learner drivers started on June 4, 2018. A licensed driving instructor may give lessons in a car with dual controls.
Many new drivers used to feel nervous on the motorways after passing. These lessons help drivers gain motorway experience and build confidence before taking their test. These guided lessons make learning safer and more effective
- Conditions: Accompanied by an authorized instructor in a dual-controlled vehicle.
- Objective: to enhance learners’ self-assurance and proficiency on the motorways.
What are the current DVSA rules?
There are rules from the DVSA for drivers, vehicles, and driving tests. You can cancel or move a test date, but you must do it at least 10 working days ahead if you don’t want to lose the payment. To take the driving test, your vehicle must have no warning lights and the tyres must have legal treads.
- For older drivers, licen ce renewal periods have changed: those aged 55–65 must renew every 5 years, and drivers aged 66–79 every 3 years.
- New drivers have a two-year probationary period. If they collect 6 points during this time, their licence will be revoked.
Can learners drive on dual carriageways as well?
Dual carriageways are like mini-motorways where everything is the same speed with the same access through slip roads and central reservations.
- Learners must drive under the supervision of a DVSA instructor in a dual control car and have the instructor in the car when they are on the motorway. If not, the instructor or the learner can get fined or have points deducted.
- Cyclists, pedestrians, small bikes (under 50cc), and tractors can use dual carriageways, but not motorways.
- Hard Shoulders: Unlike motorways, dual carriageways do not have hard shoulders so there are no hard shoulders for emergencies.
- Lane Usage: For dual carriageways, the right lane is for overtaking and for turning right; on motorways, the right lane is only for overtaking and you must exit via slip roads.
Is motorway driving compulsory for all learners?
Not all learners are required to learn how to drive on a motorway, but it can be done with a properly qualified instructor in a dual-control car. Many instructors will gauge a learner’s readiness and teach them how to merge, change lanes, and drive at higher speeds. Learning how to drive on a motorway is optional but is very helpful in building a learner driver’s confidence.
- Learners can only drive on motorways with a DVSA-registered instructor and in a qualified vehicle equipped with dual controls and L-plates.
- Instructors assess and ultimately determine when a learner is ready for lessons on motorways.
- Motorway driving is an optional activity, and learners are not required to take this for the normal driving exam.
- Advanced driving courses such as Pass Plus permit new drivers to practice on motorways immediately after passing the test.
Why Was the Law Changed in 2018?
In 2018, a change in the law allowed learner drivers to drive on the motorway. The reason was to ensure those learners acquired real driving experience before passing their driver’s test. The objective was to help learners build confidence, learn how to enter and exit a motorway safely, and learn how to interpret the motorway and smart motorway signs.
This change makes sure new drivers are more prepared and safer when driving on their own.
The main reason behind the motorway driving reform
The biggest goal of the motorway driving reform is to ensure the safety and smoothness of driving for all people. It emphasizes the importance of routine eyesight tests for older drivers, has tighter rules for driving under the influence as well as more attention to reckless driving.
The strategy incorporates cutting-edge technology for traffic reduction and improvements in roadside safety. Additionally, it caters to electric vehicles, mends road issues such as potholes, and plans for autonomous vehicles, aims to enhance safety, cleanliness, and efficacy of roadways in the UK.
Benefits for new drivers after the rule change
- Learners get to drive on motorways which helps them get accustomed to the faster roads.
- Motorway practices helps new drivers with confidence and nervousness.
- Learners discover how to safely join, leave, and navigate motorways.
- Before driving on their own, learners experience motorway signs and smart features.
- Breakdowns and other unexpected circumstances.
Why Are Learners Not Allowed on Motorways Without an Approved Driving Instructor?
Beginners cannot drive on motorways without an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) because motorways are high-speed roads that require specific skills that beginners simply do not have yet. Learners can practice and build confidence safely while driving with an ADI in a dual-control car before driving on their own.
The importance of dual controls and ADI supervision
- With dual controls, instructors can take charge if they need to.
- Instructors assist students with merging, lane-changing, and speed management.
- It helps to gain confidence in a controlled atmosphere.
Safety considerations for learners
- The higher the speed, the more serious the mistakes.
- Students learn to assess the movements of other cars and comprehend the road signs.
- Guidance from instructors minimizes stress and enhances safety.
- Rehearsals equip students to handle unexpected situations on the freeway.
How to join a motorway safely from a slip road
Joining a motorway from a slip road safely means matching your speed with the traffic, giving priority to vehicles already on the motorway, and merging smoothly using the mirror, signal, manoeuvre routine.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Watch traffic ahead on the motorway and decide the best gap to join.
- Use the slip road to accelerate and match the speed of vehicles in the left lane.
- Keep an eye on mirrors and glance over your shoulder to find a safe gap.
- Indicate clearly so other drivers know your intention.
- Steer into the left lane when there’s a safe gap; don’t force your way in.
- Some drivers may help by moving over, but always control your own speed to merge safely.
- Try not to stop at the end of the slip road, as speeding up from zero can be risky.
- It’s for emergencies only, not for merging.
- Once safely in the lane, turn off your indicator.
Keeping safe distances and managing speed
Always maintain a minimum two-second gap distance from the vehicle in front. On wet roads, distance this gap to four seconds and on icy roads, leave even more space. While it might seem like a simple task, driving is a complex task that requires full attention.
Overtaking and lane discipline for beginners
- Assessors verify lane discipline during your driving test. This means keeping your vehicle appropriately positioned near the side of the road, but just left of the center lines.
- Make sure to stay in between the white road markings, and remember to pay attention to the lane you are supposed to be in, especially at junctions where you are allowed to turn left, turn right, or go straight.
- Being careless with how you use the lane can cause small and big faults in your test. To stay safe, confident, and pass your test easily, practice these tips during your lessons.
Can Learner Drivers Use Learner Insurance on the Motorway?
No. Most of the time, learner driver insurance only includes driving with a friend or family member on regular roads. To legally drive on a motorway, you must be in a car with a dual-control driving instructor.
What type of insurance covers motorway lessons
If you take lessons on the motorway from a driving instructor, you don’t need any additional insurance as long as the instructor has a dual-control car.
However, if you’re practicing driving with a non-instructor car that belongs to a friend or family member, you need to obtain learner driver insurance that covers motorway driving and all public roads. This insurance can be monthly or yearly and usually covers the car owner’s no-claims bonus.
Are there any additional costs for motorway lessons?
Yes, instructors can charge more for motorway lessons. Some might charge extra for fuel and motorway use, while others just extend the lesson length. You should always ask your instructor for the exact fares.
Motorways vs Dual Carriageways – What’s the Difference?
Dual Carriageway | Motarway |
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Why motorway experience helps confidence after the test
Once you have passed your driving test, driving on highways helps you feel confident and ready for real life driving situations. Learning to drive at higher speeds, changing lanes, and coping with traffic taught to you by an instructor or through additional driving courses like Pass Plus makes you a much relaxed and safe driver
Pass Plus and Post-Test Confidence
Pass Plus is a practical driving course aimed to improve drivers skills to promote safe driving. Lasting around 6 hours, it is beneficial for new drivers to take this course within their first year of obtaining their driving license although it can also be taken at a later time
How motorway lessons prepare you for advanced driving
Learning to drive on the motorway builds confidence and skill. You learn to safely merge and exit the motorway, drive at higher speeds and manage motorway signs and rules. Learning in a supervised environment helps you practice and reduces anxiety. You learn to maintain lane discipline, overtake safely, and keep a safe distance from other vehicles.
What Happens If a Learner Drives on the Motorway Illegally?
Learners must always practice with a qualified driving instructor in a dual-control vehicle. Failing to do so will result in fines, penalty points, and possible insurance cancellation. Practicing the motorway is part of driving and must be done with an instructor. Make sure to do it safely and legally in order to avoid complications in your driving progress.
What to do if you accidentally enter a motorway as a learner
If you accidentally enter a motorway as a learner, stay calm and keep to the left lane. Exit at the next junction and never stop or reverse. Remember, learners must be with an approved instructor in a dual-control car, or you could face fines or penalty points.
FAQs
1. Can learners drive on the motorway at night?
Yes, only in a dual control car and with a qualified instructor. Nighttime instruction safely helps build experience and confidence.
How many motorway lessons are recommended?
Generally, 2 to 3 lessons suffice for most learners. If you are anxious or feel unprepared, you may require more.
What should I do if I feel nervous about motorway driving?
Take lessons with an instructor on quieter sections first. Gradually, you’ll feel more confident handling faster traffic.
Can you go onto the motorway as a learner driver in the UK?
Yes, but only when accompanied by a qualified instructor. Always use a dual-control car for safety.
Are learner drivers legally allowed on the motorway ?
Yes, learners can drive legally with an approved instructor. Driving alone on motorways is not permitted.
Can a learner driver safely drive up to 70mph on the motorway?
Yes, under instructor supervision in a dual-control car. Instructors help learners manage speed and stay safe.
Who is not permitted to drive on the motorway in the UK?
Learners without an instructor, those in non-dual-control cars, and slow or restricted vehicles cannot use motorways. This keeps everyone safe.
