Can learners go on the motorway?

If you’re nervous, early mornings or late evenings offer quieter conditions. Midday can also be a good option, as traffic tends to be lighter than during rush hour.

Avoid peak times – weekdays between 7-9am and 4-6pm – if possible, as heavy congestion can make your first experience stressful.

No, you can’t take your own car as a learner unless it’s fitted with dual controls and you’re accompanied by a qualified instructor. Private practice isn’t allowed, even if a fully licensed driver is supervising you.

Once you’ve passed your test, you can use your own car on motorways. If you’re still unsure at this stage, a Pass Plus course or additional lessons can help.

If you’re an experienced driver, you should be considerate to learner and new motorway drivers (keep an eye out for L or P plates):

• Be understanding: We were all learners once so it’s important to understand how nervous any first-timers must be. Avoid aggressive driving and exercise patience when you are nearby.
• Give them space: Think back to when you were first driving and how easy it was to make a mistake when you were nervous and everything was so new. Give learners plenty of room and be ready to anticipate potential mistakes.
• Be clear with indications: You should be using your indicators anyway but, if you see a learner or new driver, make sure you indicate in plenty of time to let them know you’re changing lanes.

Learners can legally drive on motorways in England, Scotland, and Wales, provided they are in a dual control car with an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI). This rule, introduced on 4th June 2018, allows learners to safely gain high-speed experience. However, motorway driving without an ADI or outside these conditions is illegal. Motorway driving isn't part of the practical test; the ADI determines readiness.

To learn to drive, you must be 17 or older, possess a valid provisional licence, and be supervised by a driver aged 21 or over with a full licence for at least three years. Your car must display L or D plates (in Wales), have valid insurance, an MOT, and be roadworthy. Motorway driving is permissible under an approved instructor in a dual-control car.

Since June 4, 2018, learner drivers in England, Scotland, and Wales have been able to take motorway lessons, though it's not mandatory and only applies to learners in cars. An Approved Driving Instructor must supervise in a dual-control car, based on their assessment of the learner's competence, and the vehicle should display L-plates. This change allows experience of high-speed driving before passing the test. Previously, motorway driving was only permitted post-licensing.

UK learner drivers can drive on motorways under specific conditions: they must be accompanied by an approved instructor in a dual-control car. The instructor decides if the learner is competent enough for motorway driving, which can be daunting due to high speeds. If unsure, learners might consider temporary car insurance for additional protection.

UK learner drivers mustn't drive alone, requiring a qualified supervisor present. Motorway driving is only allowed with a qualified instructor in a dual-control car. Using a handheld mobile device, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or when unfit due to fatigue or illness is prohibited. Towing a trailer is also forbidden. Violations can lead to substantial fines and penalty points on the provisional licence.

Always obey speed limits and stay in the left lane on UK motorways, using the right lane only for overtaking. This ensures safety and smooth traffic flow. Plan your journey beforehand, checking your vehicle's condition and fuel levels before departure.

Motorway lessons, while not mandatory, can enhance your confidence and comprehension of high-speed driving. They provide essential exposure to motorway conditions and crucial awareness skills, which are gained during your theory test. This preparation equips you to navigate the UK's motorways safely and efficiently.

The National Motorway Awareness Course (NMAC) costs approximately £98 and provides valuable insights over three hours to improve your motorway driving skills. You can easily book your course through a step-by-step guide video on the NDORS website. The online and classroom sessions run from 9am to 12 noon. Start today and enhance your motorway safety.

Since 2018, learner drivers can take optional motorway lessons under a qualified instructor's supervision in a dual-controlled car. These lessons build confidence in high-speed driving and complex lane changes, applying theoretical knowledge in a practical setting. This experience prepares learners for independent driving, enhancing safety and confidence. Remember to display L-plates during lessons.

In the UK, learner drivers must not exceed 70mph, regardless of higher speed limits. Breaching this rule may lead to penalty points and a minimum three-month licence suspension. Additionally, using a mobile phone while driving is strictly forbidden.

Since 2018, learner drivers have been able to practise on motorways with an instructor in a dual-control car. By 2025, this extended to DVSA test centres incorporating motorway driving into mock tests and final assessments. Thus, learners can gain motorway experience and demonstrate their skills in their driving test.

Planning your journey and inspecting your car's roadworthiness are essential for your first motorway drive. Consider having an experienced driver with you. Use the slip road to match traffic flow, stay in the left lane unless overtaking, and apply the two-second rule for safe distance. Regularly check mirrors and take breaks to stay alert. Adequate preparation and understanding the Highway Code's motorway section will ensure a confident, safe drive.

To overcome the fear of driving on motorways, start with gradual exposure on shorter, less busy routes, potentially with an experienced driver.

Consider taking a motorway-specific or Pass Plus driving course to build practical skills and confidence.

Before driving, plan your route, do a car safety check, and minimize distractions like loud music or phones.

During the drive, use breathing exercises, maintain a safe distance, and stay in the left lane when possible.

Preparation

1. Get professional guidance: Enroll in a Pass Plus or a motorway-specific driving course to gain professional instruction on motorway rules and techniques.
2. Plan your journey: Use a map to familiarise yourself with your route, including entry and exit points, to reduce uncertainty.
3. Ensure your car is ready: Conduct a thorough safety check of your vehicle, including tire pressure, to ensure it is reliable.
4. Reduce distractions: Turn off your phone and keep music volume low to avoid distractions.
5. Drive at quieter times: Choose to travel during the middle of the day when traffic is lighter to make your initial experiences less stressful.

During the drive

1. Practise gradual exposure: Start with short journeys and gradually increase the length of your trips as your confidence grows.
2. Drive with a companion: Have a calm, experienced driver with you for the first few journeys to offer support and guidance.
3. Focus on the basics.
4. Maintain space: Keep a significant distance from the car in front to allow more time to react.
5. Stay in the left lane: When not overtaking, try to stay in the left-hand lane to avoid the faster, more congested lanes.
6. Use mirrors effectively: Check your mirrors regularly, especially when changing lanes or approaching junctions.
7. Manage anxiety:
8. Practise relaxation: Use breathing exercises and listen to relaxing music to help calm your nerves.
9. Avoid stimulants: Limit caffeine intake before your drive, as it can increase anxiety.
10. Understand motorway rules: Be familiar with all signs, signals, and rules to know what to expect.

Long-Term Strategies

1. Regular practice: Consistent practice is key to overcoming the phobia; avoid putting it off, as this can worsen the problem.
2. Take breaks: On longer trips, plan to take regular breaks to avoid fatigue and to allow yourself time to rest and relax.