It’s a move some motorists have spent years calling for - learner drivers are to be allowed on motorways .

Until now, motorways have been off-limits until a learner driver passes their test.

In a bid to improve road safety, however, the law will change next year to allow students access to motorways in a dual-control car with an approved driving instructor.

The new rules were introduced by Transport Secretary Chris Grayling , who said that lack of experience was an “important factor” in crash statistics involving young drivers.

Figures show they are up to seven times more likely to be killed or seriously injured compared with drivers over 25.

“The UK has some of the safest roads in the world and we want to make them even safer,” Mr Grayling 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.”

The government believes the move will help reduce casualties by giving learners early experience of motorway driving, the Mirror reports.

Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) chief driving examiner Lesley Young said: “DVSA’s priority is to help you through a lifetime of safe driving.

“We’re determined to do more to improve safety for all road users.

“We want to modernise driver training so that novice drivers gain the skills and experience they need to help them and everyone else to stay safe on our motorways.”

RAC road safety spokesman Pete Williams said: “We welcome the news that learner drivers will be allowed to take lessons on the motorway under the supervision of an approved driving instructor.

Motorways are statistically the safest roads but they can be daunting for new drivers
Motorways are statistically the safest roads but they can be daunting for new drivers

“It is something that motorists we surveyed were overwhelmingly supportive of.

“While motorways are statistically our safest roads, it can be daunting using them for the first time after passing the driving test.

“Giving learners the option to gain valuable experience on our fastest and busiest roads should further improve safety and enhance the confidence of new drivers.”

The Department for Transport consulted on the changes earlier this year, receiving wide support from both learner drivers and driving instructors.

Jasmine Halstead, head of learning and development for British School of Motoring, said: “Motorways are our safest roads per mile travelled.

“If learners aren’t allowed to practise on motorways under supervision then some will avoid motorways, and others will use motorways incorrectly after passing their test.”

The changes apply to England, Wales and Scotland only, not Northern Ireland.

The move comes as it was revealed this week that driving test examiners may receive body cameras to combat the rise in violence against them from people who fail their test.

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