Learner drivers will be allowed to take motorway driving lessons with an approved driving instructor in a car with dual controls from 2018.
The change will apply to England, Scotland and Wales.
Learner drivers will need to be:
- accompanied by an approved driving instructor
- driving a car fitted with dual controls
Any motorways lessons will be voluntary. It will be up to the driving instructor to decide when the learner driver is competent enough to have a motorway lesson.
Trainee driving instructors won’t be allowed to take learner drivers on the motorway.
Motorway driving will not be included in the driving test changes coming into force on 4 December 2017.
The change will only apply to learner drivers of cars – learner motorcyclists won’t be allowed to have motorway lessons.
When the change will happen
The exact date in 2018 will be confirmed nearer the time.
The change will be well-publicised so driving instructors and learner drivers are prepared for the change, and other road users know what to expect. The Highway Code rules on motorways will also be updated.