Learner drivers to be allowed on motorways
Big news for new learners, this has been long speculated, but the transport Minister has confirmed that learner drivers will be taken onto the motorway, let us know what you think on facebook or twitter!
By Acclaim Team on 12th December 2011 in News
Learner drivers to be allowed on motorways
Transport Minister, Mike Penning, has announced that learner drivers are to be allowed onto motorways for the first time, as long as they are accompanied by an Approved Driving Instructor. The move will not be made compulsory, due to difficulties in accessing motorways in rural areas. Mr Penning made the announcement to the Institute of Advanced Motorists, citing the example of his own daughter who passed her driving test and would have been able to drive on a motorway ‘within minutes’.
This is the latest in a number of initiatives undertaken by the current Minister, which has seen the end of the publication of answers to theory test questions and stopped the Driving Standards Agency from publicising test routes. It is thought that other measures are in the pipeline, including the use of driving instructor trainee licences.
Acclaim’s Director of Training, Richard Barton, joined other organisations in supporting the latest ministerial announcement. “It is ridiculous that you can go through a course of lessons, pass a test and never have been on a motorway. This has to improve road safety and I hope that all driving instructors will include it in their curriculum of training”.
The announcement, made last week, is expected to come into force sometime next year.
