Experts say motorway driving should be mandatory in lessons

Currently, driving on the motorway is not mandatory during lessons or on the official test which determines whether learners are fit to drive on the roads.

The team at LeaseCar.uk are calling for all new drivers to learn how to use the motorway before they receive their pass certificate in a bid to cut collisions and improve driving skills.

Many drivers only experience motorway driving for the first time by themselves after they’ve passed their driving test.

Currently, learner drivers don't drive on the motorway during their driving lessons or tests (Image: Getty)

However, the experts at LeaseCar.uk claim this can be dangerous for the new driver and other motorists since the newly qualified driver won’t be used to driving on a motorway.

For anyone who hasn’t driven on a motorway before, slip roads, stricter lane discipline and increased speed limits will all be a new experience.

This is why the team are calling for motorway driving to become compulsory in driving lessons and on the official test to fully prepare learners.

They believe introducing the change into the law will help reduce the number of collisions on motorways which inexperienced drivers may have caused.

Tim Alcock, motoring expert at LeaseCar.uk, said: “Motorway driving is an intimidating experience for those who have never been on one before.

“We believe it’s one of the scariest parts of driving as there are additional lanes and more cars on the road travelling at much higher speeds.

“The problem for new drivers is they won’t be used to how it works especially when it comes to building up speed on the slip road and how to safely merge onto the motorway.

“But having motorway driving as a mandatory part of the lessons will help build confidence and experience amongst new drivers so they’ll be fully prepared after getting their pass plates.

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“Having this extra requirement in place on driving lessons and the main test will hopefully result in better drivers on the road, fewer people not knowing what they’re doing on the motorway and reduce the number of accidents caused by inexperienced drivers.

“Learning to drive on the motorway is all about experience, the more you drive on them, the more you get used to the roads.

“This message should be made clear during lessons to fully equip new drivers with the skills and confidence needed to have a safe journey.”