Learner Drivers and Motorway Lessons – DVSA Rules Explained

Learner drivers in the UK have been allowed to take motorway driving lessons with a qualified instructor since 4 June 2018, following a change introduced by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).

This change applies across England, Scotland, and Wales and was designed to help new drivers gain motorway experience safely before driving independently. Driving schools such as www.mmdrivingschools.co.uk follow these official DVSA rules when offering motorway lessons.

What Changed in June 2018?

Before June 2018, learner drivers were not allowed on motorways under any circumstances. Motorway training was only available after passing the driving test, often through voluntary schemes such as Pass Plus.

Since the law change:

Learner drivers can take motorway lessons
Lessons must be professionally supervised
Motorway driving is not part of the driving test

The aim is to help learners develop confidence, awareness, and safe motorway driving skills earlier in their learning journey.

DVSA Conditions for Learner Drivers on Motorways

To legally drive on a motorway as a learner, all of the following conditions must be met:

You must be accompanied by a DVSA-approved driving instructor (ADI)
The car must be fitted with dual controls
Motorway lessons are voluntary
The instructor decides when the learner is ready
The rule applies to learner car drivers only
Learner motorcyclists are not permitted
Trainee instructors are not allowed to conduct motorway lessons

Until these conditions are met, it remains illegal for a learner driver to use a motorway.

Is Motorway Driving Part of the Driving Test?

No.
The DVSA has confirmed that motorway driving is not being added to the UK driving test.

Motorway lessons are designed to:

Improve confidence after passing
Reduce anxiety for newly qualified drivers
Prepare learners for real-world driving, not just test conditions

Vehicle Requirements During Motorway Lessons

Driving instructors can choose whether to use a driving school rooftop box during motorway lessons.

If a rooftop box is used, L plates are not required
If the rooftop box is removed, L plates must be displayed on the front and rear
The decision rests with the instructor

How Other Drivers Should Treat Learner Drivers on Motorways

The Highway Code advises motorists to:

Keep a safe following distance
Increase spacing in wet, icy, or foggy conditions
Be patient with learner drivers
Expect slower reactions or cautious driving

Motorway rules were updated to reflect learner drivers being present on these roads.

Guidance for Driving Instructors

To support the change:

Driving lesson syllabuses were updated to include motorway skills
Learning materials now cover motorway driving
Best practice guidance was issued by national instructor associations
No additional DVSA training was required for instructors

Why the DVSA Introduced Motorway Lessons for Learners

The law change allows learner drivers to:

Gain wider driving experience before their test
Learn how to join and leave motorways safely
Practise lane discipline and overtaking
Drive confidently at higher speeds
Understand motorway signs and smart motorway systems
Learn what to do in the event of a breakdown
Feel confident driving unsupervised after passing

The overall objective is safer, better-prepared drivers for life.

http://www.mmdrivingschool.co.uk/

Quick DVSA Motorway Rules – Summary Box

(www.mmdrivingschools.co.uk)

Learner Drivers & Motorways – DVSA Rules

Allowed from: 4 June 2018
Instructor: DVSA-approved only
Vehicle: Dual-control car
Driving test requirement: ❌ Not included
Motorcyclists: ❌ Not allowed
Family supervision: ❌ Not allowed
Lesson type: ✅ Optional
How Other Drivers Should Treat Learner Drivers on Motorways
- ✅ DVSA-approved driving instructors (ADI)
- ✅ Fully insured dual-control vehicles
- ✅ Lessons follow official DVSA motorway guidance
- ✅ Local experience on M8, M74, M77 & Glasgow slip roads
- ✅ Clear pricing with no hidden charges
- ✅ Trusted by learners across Glasgow & surrounding areas
We follow all UK driving laws and DVSA guidance to ensure learner drivers are trained safely, legally, and confidently.

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Learner Drivers and Motorway Lessons- DVSA Rules Explained