Learner drivers to practice on Britain’s busiest roads
2 minute read | February 2, 2017
Pass Plus – we’ll pass, thanks!
Currently, driving lessons on motorways are only available to qualified drivers, with many newly qualified drivers opting to take lessons through the Pass Plus scheme aimed at improving driver confidence.
The proposed lessons, set out at the end of December 2016, would be voluntary and the decision as to whether the pupil is confident enough to undertake motorway lessons would fall on the shoulders of the driving instructor.
The government has defended the implementation of motorway lessons as a way for new drivers to gain a “broader driving experience”, although services such as Pass Plus aren’t expected to be stopped.
Improving safety for new drivers
This is just one of a number of proposals being considered by ministers as part of a £2m research programme by the Department for Transport, who are also looking at trialling a set number of hours a pupil should undertake before they are able to take their test.
The mandatory minimum period being suggested is 120 hours, although a spokesperson for the Department for Transport (DfT) said there were no current plans to introduce a minimum figure past the trial period.
On your bike
It’s not just car drivers who are set for changes as the Compulsory Basic Training Course for motorcyclists is due an update. Online training courses and the introduction of a theory test are just a couple of the options currently being investigated.
Backing of their peers
When asked about the proposals on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Tim Shallcross, from road safety charity IAM RoadSmart, said:
“They’re (learners) our most inexperienced drivers, therefore we should put them on the safest roads we have.”
Shallcross didn’t agree with a mandatory number of lessons due to it being a cost obstacle for many but welcomed the idea of hours logged.
Dan Tattersall, MSL’s Fleet & Operations Manager stated:
“The stats don’t lie. Motorways are our safest roads so it makes perfect sense that those learners who feel confident in their ability learn how to navigate them.
“By ensuring that learners can only undertake motorway lessons in a dual control vehicle under strict supervision from their instructor, you are alleviating any concerns people may have.”
Instructor training
The DfT is asking for the public to provide feedback on current driver training and testing for instructors. If you would like to have your say on the proposals you can do so here before the 17th February 2017.
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