Learner drivers are given green light for motorway lessons

Experts say new laws are a positive step
for young motorists but some fear the training vehicles are
unsuited for driving at 70mph

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The changes will help young drivers gain experience and become
more confident on motorways, says BBC
News. 

Prior to the new laws, drivers could only travel on motorways
after they had passed their practical exam.

To drive on motorways, learner drivers will need to be
accompanied by an instructor in a car fitted with dual-controls,
says The Sun. This means the instructor can control
the pedals if needed.

Driving instructors will not be required to provide pupils with
motorway training, however. It’s up to the individual tutor to
decide whether a learner is ready for high-speed roads or not,
Sky News reports. 

There are no plans to change the driving test by adding a
section dedicated to navigating motorways, the broadcaster
says. 

Are the new laws safe?

The move to allow learner drivers onto motorways has been
praised by many motoring experts. 

AA chief Edmond King said: “Young drivers are drastically
over-represented in crashes. This change, which will help broaden
the opportunities they have while learning, is very
positive.

“It is somewhat perverse that five minutes after passing the
driving test a new driver could venture alone on to a motorway
without having had any motorway tuition”, he added.

There are worries that vehicles used to train young
motorists may not be up to the task. 

The National Associations Strategic Partnership (NASP) warns
that “top boxes” with an L symbol used on driving instructor
vehicles could fall off at high speeds, The Daily Telegraph reports. This could put
motorists at risk.

Before approaching motorways, the NASP advises instructors
to check that the L-branded top box on their training vehicle can
withstand prolonged periods of driving at 70mph, says the
newspaper.

A spokesperson for NASP said: “Many top boxes can be used
at high speed, but it is advisable to check with the manufacturer
about the maximum rated speed.”