You discover so much while learning to drive. From the finer details of the Highway Code to the difference between a tachometer and a torque, there’s so much new information to absorb. One of the most important new skills you will pick up is learning the rules of the road.
Once you’re confident enough to drive on public roads in your lessons, it could be time to tackle motorway driving. Rule 253 of The Highway Code states: ‘Provisional car licence holders MUST NOT drive on the motorway unless they are accompanied by a DVSA Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) and are driving a car displaying red L plates (or D plates in Wales) with dual controls.’
What happens if a learner driver goes on the motorway?
You may be asking if learner drivers are allowed on the motorway as it isn’t the most common sight. The answer is yes, they are, but this has only been the case since 4 June 2018. This change in the law was made so that learner drivers could gain confidence when it comes to driving independently and at higher speeds.
By having practical experience of driving on the motorway with a qualified instructor’s support and guidance, a learner will gain understanding of how these fast-paced roads work and what motorway-specific signs actually mean. Driving on motorways can be intimidating and getting used to it and mastering how to ‘mirror-signal-manoeuvre’ before going out on your own will provide the much needed experience required.
What do learner drivers need to know about driving on the motorway?
Some of the key aspects of motorway driving include:
- Joining and leaving a fast-paced road
- The importance of using lanes and how to overtake correctly
- Getting used to driving at a faster speed
- Knowing what to do in an emergency e.g. if the car breaks down
There are also some legal considerations when a learner driver takes to the motorway:
- They must be accompanied by an approved instructor in a vehicle with a dual control system
- The approved instructor must be confident that they are competent (and confident) enough to drive on the motorway
- L plates must be on display
The learner can’t have a private lesson with a friend or family member supervising and, unlike in standard lessons, no passengers are allowed in the learner’s car while driving on a motorway.
Although motorway driving is not assessed during the practical test and it’s not mandatory for approved driving instructors to take students, getting used to driving on these high-risk roads can improve a learner’s understanding and help settle their nerves.
Motorway driving advice for learner drivers
Here are some top tips for learner drivers who are just starting to drive on motorways
- Prepare – Although motorway driving isn’t a compulsory part of your driving lessons, there are elements covered in the theory test. Use your learnings from preparing for this test and brush up on the motorway driving section of The Highway Code.
- Stay patient – Everything is new with driving at this higher speed, so it’s important to keep as calm as possible. Becoming flustered could lead to some erratic driving at high speeds, which could be very dangerous.
- Trust your instructor – A driving instructor will not take you out on the road unless they feel you’re ready. They have belief in you, so believe in yourself. Once you’re on the road and driving at these faster speeds, everything will soon become natural.
What to do if you see a new or learner driver on the motorway
If you’re an experienced driver, you should be considerate to learner and new motorway drivers (keep an eye out for L or P plates):
- Be understanding – We were all learners once, so it’s important to understand how nervous anyone with L or P plates on the motorway must be. Avoid aggressive driving and exercise patience when you are nearby.
- Give them space – Think back to when you were first driving and how easy it was to make a mistake when you were nervous and everything was so new. Give learners plenty of room and be ready to anticipate potential mistakes.
- Be clear with indications – You should be using your indicators anyway, but if you see a learner or new driver, make sure you indicate in plenty of time to let them know you’re changing lanes.
Motorway driving advice for new drivers
After passing your test, driving for the first time on a motorway can be a nerve-racking experience. The following tips can help make things slightly easier:
- Avoid driving alone – Once you’ve passed your test, there’s no restriction on driving with passengers. Ask some friends or family members to join you on your first few journeys to provide some moral support.
- Match the speed of the other vehicles – But make sure you stay within the speed limit unless you want to potentially receive a fine!
- Take plenty of breaks – Stop off at a service station if things are becoming overwhelming. Eat some food, have a drink and just let your nerves calm before getting back in the car.
Learner driver motorway insurance?
Although you need an approved driving instructor to go on the motorway as a learner driver, you can still get plenty of practice on public roads with Tempcover’s temporary learner driver insurance. This temporary car insurance is fully comprehensive and can be tailored to your needs, from 12 hours up to 28 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are motorway lessons compulsory?
No, they are not. Approved driving instructors do not have to take learners on the motorway but there are many positives when it comes to getting practice driving on them. Learners can prepare for driving at higher speeds, recognise the signs that are specific to motorways and increase their confidence.
What are the best times for motorway driving lessons?
If it’s your first time driving on the motorway with an instructor, it will be best to avoid peak times and head out while there is plenty of daylight.
Sources
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code/motorways-253-to-273
https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/learning-to-drive/learner-drivers-on-motorways
