Yahoo News 
Learner drivers could soon be allowed on motorways as part of government plans
Remember the terrifying moment you first drive on a motorway after you’ve passed your driving test?
That might not be quite so scary if plans to allow learner drivers to practise on motorways are given the go-ahead.
The plans, part of a government drive to improve road safety, would allow approved instructors to take “competent” trainees on motorways in dual-controlled cars.
Under current rules, first-time drivers make their way on to motorways after they pass their test, having had no training on the 70mph roads.
The new plans, announced by Transport Minister Andrew Jones, also include motorcyclists having to take a theory test as part of the compulsory basic training (CBT) course, which allows the bikes, as well as mopeds, to be ridden unaccompanied.
Plans to allow learners on motorways have been welcomed by RAC Foundation director Steve Gooding and Neil Greig, policy director at the IAM RoadSmart charity, as well as by The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA).
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Mr Gooding said: “The casualty statistics tell us that motorways are our safest roads, but they can feel anything but safe to a newly-qualified driver heading down the slip road for the first time to join a fast moving, often heavy, flow of traffic.
“Many are so intimidated by the motorway environment that they choose instead to use statistically more dangerous roads, so we welcome this move which will help new drivers get the training they need to use motorways safely.”
Mr Greig said it was a “sensible and measured solution”, and added: “It makes no sense that new drivers learn by trial and, often fatal, error how to use our fastest and most important roads.”
A RoSPA spokesman said: “Anything that will provide young drivers with more realistic training to prepare them for when they become independent drivers is good.”
(Top picture: Getty)
