Motorway lessons can be overwhelming. Most experienced drivers also hesitate to drive on a motorway. New drivers and even the experienced ones avoid motorways. However, those who get their driving lessons attain the right confidence. In the past, New drivers would avoid the motorways completely as the concept of experiencing a 70mph carriageway, merging from a slip road, or managing three lanes of fast-moving traffic was no less than a nightmare.
But now, if you are a new driver, you need to know that this new law will help you elevate your motorway experience. According to the law, which came into force in 2018, Learner drivers are finally allowed to take motorway lessons before their test; however, this is to be done under strict supervision. Motorway lessons have now changed, but most new drivers are still unaware of the changes.
Motorway Lessons: What Changed in 2018
The motorway lessons got a major update in 2018. According to the Motorways Traffic (England and Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2018, the new laws came into force on 4 June 2018. Before the law, the new drivers were not allowed to drive on the motorways of Great Britain. The drivers who wanted to have an experience of the motorway would first have to pass the Pass Plus course, which is a voluntary course.
But now, according to the new law, which applies across England, Scotland, and Wales, allows new drivers without a license to experience the motorway drive, under the strict supervision of a professional licensed instructor. Yet, to make things clear, this legislation is not applied to Northern Ireland, as it operates under its own separate road traffic laws, which still do not allow learner drivers to drive on the motorways.
Thus, this article and its valid information are intended for learner Drivers in the UK, except in Northern Ireland.
The Rules for Motorway Lessons as a Learner
However, before we dig deeper, let’s make one thing clear for those seeking motorway lessons. You, as a new motorway learner, cannot just pick up the car keys and ride down the road. There are certain rules, which are as follows:
Rule 1:
You cannot go without a fully qualified Approved Driving Instructor, known as an ADI. The instructor should be ADI, not PDI or the Trainee instructors. PDIs are not allowed to take the learners to the motorway for motorway driving lessons. Motorway driving lessons cannot be assisted by family or friends. No matter how experienced they are, they cannot assist with the motorway lessons. The dual carriageway practice cannot be applied in this case.
Rule 2:
The car that is being used for the motorway driving lesson should be equipped with dual controls, so that the instructor is able to take full control of the car if necessary.
Rule 3:
The car should depict the learner’s plate. The L-plates need to be displayed. Or it should be labelled with the driving school roof box.
Important Note
The motorway driving lessons are completely voluntary. If any of the new learners do not opt for these, they shall not be penalized for it on the test day. Another important detail is that this change applies only to learner car drivers.
What a Motorway Lesson Actually Involves
A Motorway lesson is like any other driving lesson. The ADI will let you know about the road, how to match speed, when to change lanes, how to check mirrors, and how to reach the slip road, to read the signs for lane changes well in advance. Once on the motorway, early practice tends to focus on joining safely, holding a steady position in the inside lane, and building comfort with the higher speeds before anything more complex is introduced.
Once the learner starts to build confidence, the instructors often move learners to skilling overtaking and managing roadworks or variable speed limits, and safely leaving via an exit slip road. The full control of the car is with the instructor, thus making the experience safe.
Why It Matters: The Motorway Driving Lessons?
Since the motorways are not part of the test, it is often not prioritized. However, while practicing, the driving instructors and road safety organisations would often give a different argument. Since the new learners have less confidence and are statistically at the highest risk of getting involved in a car crash, it is important for the beginners to have motorway driving lessons.
Motorways do feel intimidating, but in reality, they are actually among the safer roads. According to the real-time statistics, the motorways are safer than normal roads as they are wider, clearer, and have no obstructions such as pedestrians, cyclists, or oncoming traffic to account for.
The only risk that the new learner drivers in the UK have for motorway driving is that they are unfamiliar with slip roads, not expert of judging the gap, and misjudging speed differences. The first time experience of getting in a traffic of three lanes can be overwhelming.
The fear or anxiety of motorways is such that new learner drivers in the UK, even after passing their test, avoid motorway driving altogether as they have never had a chance to practise on one. This is something that can become a habit and can cause a licensed, skilled driver to never overcome the fear of a motorway!
Thus, the motorway lessons help learner drivers in the UK to have an experience, under complete instructions and supervision of a skillful ADI. It is a great way for nervous learners in particular to improve their confidence.
What If You Already Passed Without Motorway Experience?
Since not all the new drivers get a chance to take a motorway lesson before their test, a Pass Plus test is exactly what helps with it. A Pass Plus is a voluntary course for newly qualified drivers, which covers motorway driving alongside dual carriageways, night driving, rural roads, town driving, and all weather conditions, such as rain or fog.
It’s for the drivers who have passed their test, but still feel they are not experts. Not only it help to grow your confidence, but it also allows you to secure lower car insurance premiums with certain providers, who recognise it as evidence of a lower risk profile. At Astra Driving School, our Pass Plus Driving Course.
Quick FAQ
Do normal driving lessons include motorway learning?
No, the Driving test for the UK would not require you to pass a motorway test.
For practice, can I go with my parents for motorway driving lessons?
No, only an ADI can assist you for a motorway driving lesson, in a car that will have an L-plate and shared controls with the ADI.
Should I have to take a motorway lesson before my test?
This is completely your call. However, its a way to elevate your confidence.
Final Thoughts
Motorway driving is one of the more nerve-wracking parts of learning to drive, but it doesn’t have to be something you tackle for the first time only after you’ve passed. Since 2018, learners in England, Scotland and Wales have had the chance to build up that experience safely, with a qualified instructor sitting right beside them.
Whether you’re still learning and thinking about asking your instructor to add a motorway lesson, or you’ve already passed and want to fill in that gap, Astra Driving School can help. Our DVSA approved instructors offer motorway lessons at the right point in your training, and our Pass Plus course is there for newly qualified drivers who want a bit more experience and confidence behind the wheel.
If you’re ready to build your confidence on the motorway, get in touch with Astra Driving School today, or check our FAQs for more on how our courses work.