CONFIRMED… Motorway lessons for learner drivers in 2018
It’s official. Motorway lessons for learner drivers have been announced by the government. Driving hopefuls in England, Scotland and Wales will be accompanied by an approved driving instructor in a dual-controlled car in one of the biggest shake ups in the history of learning to drive.
Under current UK laws, only those who have passed the theory test and practical exam can drive on a motorway. However, in 2015, the Department for Transport (DfT) indicated that a law change would be considered. The debate over whether to allow learner drivers on Britain’s motorways has rumbled on for months, but at last comes to an end.
Chris Grayling, the UK’s transport secretary, thinks that motorway lessons for learner drivers will make the country’s roads safer. He said: “Allowing learners to drive on motorways in a supportive environment will help them develop a practical understanding of how to use motorways safely before driving independently.”
Motorway driving tips for learner drivers
Following the announcement, cue hundreds of driving instructors offering motorway driving tips to learner drivers. Here’s a roundup of some of the best:
#1 – Watch your speed
The motorway is a whole new realm when it comes to speed, with vehicles whizzing by you faster than you’re used to when being overtaken by that impatient commuter. Be aware that the speed limit is in fact 70mph. While it may be tempting to hit the accelerator hard, don’t. Meanwhile, some sections of road will drop to 50mph – likely because of road works.
#2 – Don’t hesitate
Hesitation can kill on the motorway, whether you’re joining or changing lanes. If you’ve started a manoeuvre, other road users are expecting you to go, so commit to it and complete it.
#3 – Keep calm
The key to motorway driving is to keep calm. Hey… remember that you will have an instructor with you to help if you’re unsure of something. Just think of a motorway as a bigger, slightly faster dual carriageway – hopefully which, you’ve driven on – and you will be fine.
#4 – Plan ahead
Much of motorway driving is planning ahead. To join a carriageway or change lanes, sometimes you will need to ease off the accelerator to create gaps to move into. If you spot a slow moving vehicle early, you can prepare to change lanes that little bit earlier. Always be aware of what’s happening around you.
Now that motorway driving has been confirmed for learner drivers in 2018, wannabe motorists will be better prepared for the driving theory test and for Britain’s major highways once they’ve passed their practical exam.
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Tags: RAC
