Minister wants to allow learners on motorways

13 January 2011

Learner drivers should be allowed on motorways, says Road Safety Minister, Mike Penning.

Mr Penning says it is wrong that learners can travel alone on motorways straight after passing their test. He told the transport select committee that he is examining ways to ensure new drivers can handle fast motorway traffic.

At the moment, learners are prohibited from driving on motorways. As soon as they get their full licence this restriction is lifted.

A report in The Telegraph, says ministers are keen to prepare young drivers before they encounter fast-moving traffic, and two options have been suggested so far.

One is to allow learners onto motorways with supervision from their instructor before their test. The other is to enforce motorway training for newly qualified drivers.

The Department for Transport is reviewing the whole issue of driver training and testing. News on a 'Safe Driving for Life' plan for learner drivers is expected in the spring.