The UK Government has announced that learner drivers will soon be able to have lessons on motorways with an approved driving instructor in a dual control car.
The change is due to be introduced next year in an attempt to
improve road safety. The
Government says that allowing learner drivers onto motorways will provide a broader range of real life experiences and better prepare learners for independent driving when they pass their test.
Road safety organisation
Brake has given its reaction to the announcement. It acknowledges that more needs to be done to reduce accident numbers amongst young drivers, but believes there are better ways of achieving this.
"Young drivers are involved in a high proportion of crashes that kill and seriously injure because of inexperience and the tendency of some to take risks,” explained Jason Wakeford, Director of Campaigns for Brake. “Improved training before and after getting a licence is essential to improving road safety.”
"Rather than allowing learner drivers on the motorway, there should instead be a requirement for all newly-qualified drivers to receive mandatory lessons, including on the motorway, once they've passed their test,” he added. “There needs to be much wider reform to the learning to drive system, including a minimum learning period and restrictions for newly-qualified drivers, such as a late night curfew. This graduated driver licensing approach has helped dramatically reduce road casualties in countries including Australia, and could save lives here in the UK too.”
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