IAM RoadSmart gives thumbs up to ‘long overdue’ plans to allow learner drivers onto motorways from 2018

Leading independent road safety charity IAM RoadSmart has welcomed confirmation of the Government’s plan to allow learner drivers on motorways to improve safety, saying they are long overdue and should make a significant difference to accident rates amongst new and inexperienced drivers.

The plans were announced this evening (12 August) by Transport Secretary Chris Grayling, following a consultation on the idea at the end of 2016. The changes take place in England, Wales and Scotland only from 2018.

Learners will only be allowed on motorways with an approved driving instructor in a dual control car. The Government says this will provide a broader range of real life experiences and better prepare learners for independent driving when they pass their test.

Currently learners cannot drive on a motorway until after they have passed their test. This means the first experience of motorway driving for many is as a nervous novice without the guidance of a driving instructor or the safety of a dual control car.

Neil Greig, IAM RoadSmart director of policy and research, said: “It makes no sense that new drivers learn by trial and, sometimes fatal, error how to use our fastest and most important roads. 

“Allowing learners on motorways with an approved instructor is a sensible and measured solution that should deliver confident new drivers who are much better able to cope with complex smart motorways.”

Neil added that a forthcoming IAM RoadSmart report will show that new drivers struggle to adapt to motorways more than other roads, and currently need more time to learn how to use them safely. This is especially true when it comes to negotiating slip roads.

The full report, produced in association with TRL, will be issued later this year.

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IAM RoadSmart has a mission to make better drivers and riders in order to improve road safety, inspire confidence and make driving and riding enjoyable. It does this through a range of courses for all road users, from online assessments through to the advanced driving and riding tests. IAM RoadSmart is the trading name of all businesses operated by the UK’s largest road safety charity, the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) and was formed in April 2016 combining the IAM, IAM Drive & Survive, PDS and IAM Driver Retraining Academy. The organisation has 92,000 members and campaigns on road safety on their behalf. At any one time there are over 7,000 drivers and riders actively engaged with IAM RoadSmart’s courses, from members of the public to company drivers, while our Driver Retraining Academy has helped 2,500 drivers to shorten their bans through education and support programmes.

To find out more about IAM RoadSmart products and services visit the new website www.iamroadsmart.com                 

To find out the name of your own local IAM RoadSmart group please visit: https://wwwiamroadsmart.com/local-groups              

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