Learner drivers to be allowed on motorways – but not yet
Learner drivers to be allowed on motorways – but not yet
DIA, Friday, 09 December 2011
It’s been in the headlines. “Learner drivers are to be allowed to have driving lessons on motorways in an attempt to cut the death toll among novice motorists,” said The Daily Telegraph.
It went on to say that the change, which will come into force next year, is intended to end the situation in which young drivers can be confronted with traffic driving at speeds of 70mph or above without any preparation.
Under the plans announced by Mr Penning, the Telegraph reported, it will be possible for learner drivers to undergo some training on a motorway but only if accompanied by a qualified driving instructor. Addressing the IAM, Mr Penning cited the example of his own daughter who, within minutes of having passed her test, would have been able to drive on a motorway.
The change, the Telegraph said, will not be made compulsory because of the difficulties learner drivers in remote areas of the country would face in finding a motorway within a reasonable distance of where they lived.
The news was picked up by everyone: AutoExpress, What Car, various instructor groups and numerous websites.
Unfortunately, we can reveal, it’s not actually true.
Here at the DIA we knew that the proposal would go to public consultation next year, so DIA Group Manager Steve Garrod rang DSA Registrar Charles Morton to check.
“Charles,” said Steve. “I’ve just read a piece in the Telegraph suggesting that learners will be allowed on motorways next year. Have I missed something or has somebody jumped the gun?”
“No, and yes,” replied Charles. “Any change in legislation must go to consultation…”
In the meantime, the rest of Mike Penning’s speech is worth looking at. Here’s what the Telegraph said:
“Underpinning the move is concern at the number of young drivers being killed and seriously injured on the country’s motorways. According to figures compiled by the Department for Transport, 82 drivers under 21 were involved in fatal motorway crashes between 2006 and 2010.
“The initiative reflects growing ministerial concern at the current testing regime which, it is felt, does not prepare drivers for life behind the wheel. ‘Are we teaching young drivers to pass a test or are we giving them the skills to enjoy life on the road?’ Mr Penning asked.
“Since taking office Mr Penning has stopped driving test centres publicising the routes which will be used during the examination. He has also banned the publishing of answers to the theory test to prevent candidates learning by rote.
“In a further change Mr Penning plans to ban trainee driving instructors giving lessons unless they themselves are supervised by a fully qualified colleague. Currently trainee instructors can give tuition and the only indication a pupil has that their teacher is not fully qualified is a small screen sticker.”
“I am going to put a stop to that,” Mr Penning told The Daily Telegraph. “I am going to stop people who are not qualified doing this. Some of these guys never get qualified.”
“This is all good news,” said the DIA’s Steve Garrod. “Learner drivers do need to be taught how to drive on motorways. And tightening the rules on instructors is long overdue. We’ve always said that it is wrong for learners not to be told that they are being trained by a trainee instructor, two-thirds of whom never actually pass the final test.”
Read more: www.telegraph.co.uk
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Last Updated on Friday, 30 December 2011 13:13
