Can learner drivers drive on the motorway?
Learner drivers can take motorway lessons before passing their test, but only when certain legal and safety requirements are met.
Learning motorway skills before you pass
Learner drivers have been allowed to take motorway driving lessons in England, Scotland and Wales since June 2018.
The change means suitable learners can gain experience of joining, leaving, overtaking and driving safely at higher speeds while an approved instructor is beside them.
Motorway lessons are voluntary. Your instructor will decide whether you have reached a suitable standard before suggesting one.
When can a learner driver use a motorway?
All of the following conditions must be met.
An approved instructor
You must be accompanied by a DVSA Approved Driving Instructor. A parent, friend or other supervising driver cannot take a learner onto a motorway.
A dual-controlled car
The vehicle must be fitted with dual controls so the instructor can intervene if necessary.
L plates or D plates
The car must display red L plates, or D plates when driving in Wales.
You must be ready
Your instructor must be satisfied that you can control the car safely before taking you onto a motorway.
What happens during a motorway lesson?
The exact lesson will depend on the route, traffic and your level of experience.
Joining from a slip road
You will practise checking motorway traffic, building an appropriate speed and fitting safely into the flow of the left-hand lane.
Lane discipline
You will learn to keep left unless overtaking and return safely to the left-hand lane after passing another vehicle.
Mirrors and observations
Motorway traffic moves quickly, so you need to use your mirrors early, look further ahead and keep track of vehicles approaching from behind.
Safe following distances
You will practise maintaining a safe gap and increasing it when conditions are wet, icy or visibility is reduced.
Overtaking safely
This includes judging speed and distance, checking blind spots, signalling in good time and avoiding cutting back in too soon.
Leaving the motorway
You will learn to identify your exit early, move left in good time and reduce speed appropriately once you enter the slip road.
When might your instructor suggest a motorway lesson?
There is no set number of lessons you must complete first. Your instructor will consider your overall ability and confidence.
- You can control the car confidently at higher speeds.
- You use mirrors effectively before changing speed or direction.
- You can judge gaps and the speed of other vehicles.
- You can join and leave faster roads safely.
- You respond correctly to road signs and lane markings.
- You remain calm when traffic becomes busy.
Some learners may be ready shortly before their practical test, while others may benefit from motorway tuition after passing.
Important rules to remember
Keep left
Use the left-hand lane unless you are overtaking or signs and road markings direct you otherwise.
Never ignore a red X
A red X means the lane is closed. You must move safely into an open lane and must not continue beneath the red X.
Do not stop unnecessarily
You must not stop on the motorway, hard shoulder or in an emergency area except in an emergency or when directed to do so.
Missed your exit?
Continue to the next exit. Never reverse, turn around or cross the central reservation.
Motorway vehicle checks
A basic vehicle check helps reduce the risk of a breakdown on a high-speed road.
- Check your tyres are legal, undamaged and correctly inflated.
- Make sure the lights and indicators are working.
- Check that you have enough fuel or battery charge.
- Make sure the windows, mirrors and number plates are clean.
- Carry any equipment recommended for the conditions or journey.
- Know what to do if the vehicle develops a problem.
Is motorway driving part of the driving test?
Motorway driving is not currently included in the practical car driving test.
The test may include high-speed dual carriageways where suitable, but learners are not required to drive on a motorway during the test itself.
Drivers who do not take a motorway lesson before passing can still arrange further tuition afterwards. Motorway driving may also be included as part of Pass Plus training.
Learner motorway driving FAQs
Can my parent take me on the motorway as a learner?
No. A learner driver may only drive on a motorway when accompanied by a DVSA Approved Driving Instructor in a dual-controlled car.
Can a trainee driving instructor take a learner on the motorway?
No. The accompanying instructor must be a fully qualified DVSA Approved Driving Instructor.
Is a motorway lesson compulsory?
No. Motorway lessons are voluntary and are not required before taking the practical driving test.
Can learner motorcyclists use the motorway?
No. Holders of provisional motorcycle licences are not permitted to use motorways.
Can I drive on the motorway immediately after passing?
Yes. A full car licence allows you to use motorways, although extra tuition is sensible when you have not previously had motorway experience.
Learn motorway driving with professional support
Our instructors can help you develop safe observations, lane discipline and confidence on faster roads when you are ready.