A change in driving lessons may mean that holders of young drivers insurance will be able to experience driving on the motorway before they have passed their practical driving test, according to reports.
The proposed plans were put forward by transport minister, Mike Penning, who was addressing the Institute of Advanced Motorists. The changes would mean that learner drivers would be able to gain some training on a motorway if they are accompanied by a fully qualified instructor.
The changes are being suggested amid concerns about the number of holders of car insurance for young drivers who are being killed and seriously injured in motorway accidents – figures compiled by the Department for Transport have revealed that 82 drivers under the age of 21 were involved in fatal road accidents between 2006 and 2010.
The Institute of Advanced Motorists has reportedly endorsed the idea which would come into effect next year. A spokesperson for the charity said, "It will mean that properly supervised young drivers can learn how to drive on a motorway with somebody beside them."
Current laws state that learner drivers are unable to drive on motorways, meaning that many new motorists feel intimidated when they begin to drive on the busy highways due to their lack of experience.