Learner drivers allowed on UK motorways from today as new laws come into effect

Learners will have to be driving with an instructor in a dual-controlled car

Learner drivers will no longer have to wait until passing their test to practice motorway driving (Rex)

Learner drivers will be allowed to drive on UK motorways from today onwards.

New legislation means drivers without a full licence will be allowed to practise their high-speed driving skills.

However, there are a few restrictions they need to bear in mind.

Any learner drivers on the motorway must be having a lesson with an official instructor, and the car must have dual controls.

Whether or not they are allowed on will also be at the discretion of their instructor, who must deem them ready and competent to deal with the challenge of high-speed driving.

The change in law is hoped to give new drivers more confidence before their first foray into motorway driving, after 27 per cent of drivers said they were scared when they first went on to a motorway, according to a study from AA, who welcomed the change.

Edmund King, director of the AA Charitable Trust, said: "Young drivers are drastically over-represented in crashes. This change, which will help broaden the opportunities they have while learning, is very positive.

"It is somewhat perverse that five minutes after passing the driving test a new driver could venture alone on to a motorway without having had any motorway tuition."

Road safety minister Jesse Norman reassured drivers that Britain's roads are "among the safest in the world", but pointed out road collisions were still the second biggest killer of young people.

"Allowing learner drivers to have motorway lessons with a qualified road safety expert will help more young drivers to gain the skills and experience they need to drive safely on motorways," she added.

However Brake, the road safety charity, said further legislation should be brought in to improve road safety.

They suggested changes such as a night-driving curfew for new drivers to reduce accident frequency.

Joshua Harris, director of campaigns, said: "While today's move is a small step in the right direction, a total overhaul in the way in which we learn to drive is urgently needed."