Can Learner Drivers Go on the Motorway?

Since June 2018, learner drivers in England, Scotland and Wales have been allowed to take motorway lessons. But there are conditions.

The rules

• You must be with an approved driving instructor.
• The car must have dual controls.
• The car must display L plates.

You cannot drive on a motorway with a family member or friend while you're a learner. Motorway lessons are voluntary, and it's up to your instructor to decide when you're ready.

Why it's worth it

Motorways aren't part of the driving test, but many new drivers use them soon after passing. A lesson lets you practise with a professional beside you:

• joining from a slip road and matching speed
• lane discipline and overtaking safely
• keeping a safe following distance (the two-second rule, doubled in the wet)
• understanding smart motorway signs and red X signals
• leaving the motorway and adjusting to slower speeds

When are you ready?

Usually once you're close to test standard and comfortable on fast dual carriageways. Around Liversedge we have quick access to the M62 and M1, which makes motorway practice easy to fit into a lesson.

Ask your instructor about adding motorway driving to your lessons.