After years of discussions between National Associations, Driving Instructors and the Government, the Government has finally given the green light to learner drivers being allowed to use motorways from 4th June 2018 (04/06/2018). The plan is to allow learner drivers on motorways with an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) in a dual controlled car ONLY. This means that trainee driving instructors, friends and family members will NOT be allowed to take learner drivers onto motorways.
Motorway Tuition Guidelines
Motorways are the safest roads as only 4% of crashes happen on them and account for only 5% of fatalities. However, due to the high speeds on motorways, when a collision does happen, it's often fatal. Learner drivers need to understand how motorways work.
Before taking a learner driver on motorways, it should be first discussed with them. We would suggest that this is done when the learner driver is near test standard, has already used some faster roads, and is confident dealing with other road users on faster roads.
DoDrive® recommend doing two or three hours at a time as this will help the learner driver to understand driver fatigue and tiredness on motorways. By doing longer driving lessons on motorways you can discuss and plan rest stops at services with the learner driver. Discussing and planning rest stops will help the learner driver understand the benefits of stopping at service areas when driving for long periods of time.
If there are no local motorways that can be used for motorway driving, then motorways could be done in theory and the learner given homework and then followed up with Q&A.
WARNINGS!
It shoud be noted that magnets may become less efficient in the summer heat and in high winds.
Before taking a learner driver on motorways, it is vitally important that you check your insurance policy covers it. You may need to update your insurance policy!
Motorway topics
- Motorways signs and markings
- Journey planning and use of services
- Joining and leaving motorways
- Observations and use of mirrors
- Anticipation and planning
- Use of the 2-second rule
- Making progress and speed awareness
- Lane discipline and crawler lanes
- LGV side winds and turbulance
- Adverse weather conditions
- Overtaking slow vehicles safely
- Smart motorways (hard shoulder)
- Driver fatigue and tiredness
- Roadworks and contraflows
- Collisions and breakdowns