Why learner drivers can’t use the A55 between Llanddulas and Conwy Morfa

(Even though learners can now drive on motorways with an ADI)

It does seem like a contradiction at first.

Since 2018, learners can drive on motorways with an ADI in a dual-control car. So why can’t they use this part of the A55?

Because it isn’t banned for being “motorway-like” it’s banned because, in law, this section is classed differently.

The motorway rule change doesn’t apply here

Learners can use motorways if:

• they’re with an ADI

• the car has dual controls

• it’s clearly marked as a driving school car

But the 2018 change only updated motorway rules. It didn’t update other restricted roads.

So if a road is restricted under a different law, like this part of the A55, the motorway learner rules simply don’t apply.

What the A55 regulations actually ban

On this specific stretch, the regulations prohibit things like:

• learner drivers
• cyclists
• pedestrians
• mopeds
• animals / animal-drawn vehicles
• vehicles that can’t exceed 25 mph

And there’s no exemption for:

• ADI supervision
• dual controls
• driving lessons
• the newer motorway learner rules

So legally, a supervised learner is treated the same way as a cyclist or pedestrian on that carriageway: not allowed, full stop.

Why learners can drive on the M56 but not this bit of the A55

It feels backwards, but it’s actually consistent once you look at the law.

When learner motorway driving was introduced, the government:

• changed the motorway rules

• did not change special-road regulations

• left this section of the A55 exactly as it was

So today:

• ✅ a learner can drive on a motorway with an ADI

• 🚫 that same learner still can’t drive on the A55 between Llanddulas and Conwy Morfa, even with the same instructor and car

The difference isn’t speed or supervision. It’s simply the wording of the law that applies to that specific stretch of road.

Why this section was restricted in the first place

In real terms, this stretch of the A55 behaves like a coastal expressway:

• long periods at 70 mph

• fast slip roads and merges

• heavy HGV traffic, especially to and from Holyhead

• very few safe places to stop or turn around

Back in 1990, the decision was to apply motorway-style restrictions without officially making it a motorway. Once that’s written into law, it stays that way until it’s changed.

So far, it hasn’t.

Why it catches so many people out

It doesn’t look restricted:

• green signs

• A-road number

• no motorway symbols

So if you miss the restriction signs, it’s easy for a learner (even with an instructor) to join it without realising they’ve crossed into “not legally allowed” territory. That’s why it causes so much confusion and keeps coming up online.

Pros and cons for learners in Colwyn Bay, Llandudno and Conwy

For local learners, the A55 restriction between Llanddulas and Conwy Morfa is a bit of a “road law speed bump”. It doesn’t stop lessons, but it does shape the routes we use to get you the right practice safely and legally.

Cons (the annoying bit)

• It can add time to journeys to test centres.
  If you’re heading to Bangor or Rhyl for a test route drive, avoiding that restricted stretch can mean a slightly longer run getting there and back.
• Less direct “A55-to-everywhere” convenience.
  For learners around Llandudno and Conwy, it can feel like the most obvious link road is off-limits, so route planning matters a bit more.

Pros (the useful bit)

• You get stronger real-world driving practice through local areas.
  Instead of relying on a quick blast along the A55, it encourages more time driving through places you genuinely need to handle confidently, like:
  • Mochdre
  • Colwyn Bay
  • Old Colwyn
    That means more practice with everyday hazards: parked cars, tight meeting situations, junction routines, roundabouts, pedestrians, and changing speed limits.
• You can still practice dual carriageway driving legally.
  The restriction only applies to that specific special-road section. There are unrestricted sections of the A55 where learners can practise dual carriageway skills with an instructor, including:
  • joining via slip roads
  • lane discipline
  • safe overtakes and mirror routines
  • planning ahead at speed
    So you still get the “faster road” confidence building, just on the stretches where it’s actually allowed.

The practical takeaway

Yes, avoiding the restricted section can make trips to Bangor or Rhyl take a little longer. But the upside is you often end up with better all-round driving ability, because you’re building experience on the exact roads and situations you’ll use day-to-day around Colwyn Bay, Conwy and Llandudno, while still getting dual carriageway practice on the legal sec

The bottom line

Even though learners can now drive on motorways with an ADI:

🚫 they still can’t use the A55 between Llanddulas and Conwy Morfa
📜 because that stretch is governed by special-road regulations, not motorway rules
🕰️ those rules date back to 1990 and haven’t been updated
⚖️ there’s no legal exemption for instructors or dual controls

In short: motorway access expanded. This A55 restriction didn’t. 🛣️⚖️