Are learner drivers permitted on the motorways? If that’s the case, you’re in the proper place. In 2018, the laws were changed to allow students to travel on motorways.
While many learner drivers find highway driving courses daunting, they will provide a more comprehensive driving experience.
The guidelines for learners on the motorway
- The regulations governing learner drivers’ use of motorways for safety reasons state that learner drivers are only permitted to drive on a motorway when accompanied by a DVSA-approved driving instructor. This means that trainee driving instructors are not permitted to teach learner drivers on motorways.
- The car needs to have dual controls and L-plates must be shown at the front or back of the car.
According to the new rules, the learner car must have dual controls and L-plates when receiving motorway instruction.
A dual-controlled vehicle guarantees that the driving teacher can intervene in an emergency since learner drivers lack the reflexes and expertise of more seasoned drivers. As a result, trainee drivers can rest easier knowing that their teacher can take over in the event of an accident, keeping everyone safe.
Driving on the motorway close to learner drivers
As with any car on the motorway, stay a safe distance from a trainee driver in front of you. In fog or on sloppy or wet roads, extend the distance.
Have patience at all times when working with trainee drivers. They may not be as equally skilled in anticipating events and responding to them.
Is driving on a motorway as a learner required of all students?
No, it’s not required. Whether a pupil is prepared to drive on a motorway will be determined by each teacher.
Exposure to highways should provide student drivers with a better grasp of how to drive at high speeds safely, even though a motorway lesson is not required.
Will your driving test include driving on a motorway?
No. At this point, not all UK students are required to drive on a motorway. Therefore, it isn’t used in real-world driving testing at the moment. Whether this will alter is a matter of considerable conjecture. However, given that it would restrict the possible locations of driving test centers, it appears unlikely to happen very soon.
Can learners operate a vehicle on a dual carriageway?
Yes, as long as the vehicle has L-plates, driving instructors are permitted to transport their students on dual carriageways. Due to their similarities, driving on a dual carriageway is a great way to practice driving on a highway, even if it may appear intimidating to many novice drivers.
What caused the law to change?
To better prepare students for a lifetime of cautious and safe driving, this law was modified. Permitting learner drivers to use the freeway will:
- Give a more diverse driving experience before a test.
- Teach learner drivers how to drive at high speeds securely by giving them instructions on how to enter and exit motorways, safely pass, and use each lane appropriately.
- Train students to read motorway-specific road signs and instruct drivers on how to handle a broken-down car on a highway.
- Increase their self-assurance in their ability to drive independently on motorways after passing the test.
Hopefully, this advice has clarified whether or not a learner is permitted to drive on the motorway.
Whether or not you practice driving on highways is ultimately up to you and your driving teacher. Driving on highways will significantly increase your driving experience and knowledge, even if it is not a requirement for the practical test. As a learner driver, if you are uncomfortable operating a motorway vehicle, you can always choose.