Can Learner Drivers Go on the Motorway? Essential Info for Pass Plus

If you're learning to drive, you might be itching to know if you can head out on the motorway before you’ve passed your test. Years ago, that was a flat no. But since 2018, things have changed—now, learners in England, Scotland, and Wales can get on the motorway, but only with a DVSA-approved driving instructor and a car fitted with dual controls. You can't go solo, and you definitely can't go with just mum or dad in the passenger seat.

There’s a reason for the rule change. Before 2018, the first motorway trip for most new drivers was alone, right after passing their test. That’s pretty nerve-wracking—and a bit risky. Getting some real motorway practice while learning helps you get used to the higher speeds, snappy lane changes, and fast-flowing traffic. It's all about building confidence and skill before you take on the road by yourself.

This is where Pass Plus comes into the mix. The Pass Plus course includes motorway driving, letting you rack up experience in a properly structured way. Even if your standard driving lessons don't take you on a motorway, Pass Plus fills in those gaps, making sure you’re ready for whatever the M25 or M1 throws at you. There are even insurance perks—some companies knock costs off for drivers with a Pass Plus certificate. So if your palms sweat at the thought of motorway traffic, you’re not stuck just hoping it gets easier. You can train for it, right from the start.

• What Changed for Learner Drivers on Motorways?
• Pass Plus: Why It Matters for Motorway Confidence
• Rules Every Learner Needs to Know
• Tips for Your First Motorway Lesson
• Common Mistakes and How to Dodge Them
• FAQs: Clearing Up What Everyone Gets Wrong

What Changed for Learner Drivers on Motorways?

Let’s clear up what actually changed. Until June 2018, anyone with a provisional license was banned from driving on the motorway—full stop. This meant most new drivers took their first motorway run right after their test, often without any real guidance. It freaked a lot of people out and, honestly, led to some rough starts on those big, fast roads.

But on 4 June 2018, the law was updated in England, Scotland, and Wales. Now, learners can go on the motorway, but only if:

• They're with an approved driving instructor (ADI).
• The car has dual controls (so the instructor can take over if things get hairy).
• No L-plates on the motorway without these rules—driving with friends, family, or alone is still totally out.

This change makes a massive difference. You get to practice merging onto fast-moving lanes, dealing with big lorries, getting your head around variable speed limits, and using smart motorways—all before you pass your test.

It’s worth noting that the change doesn’t apply in Northern Ireland. Also, this isn’t a compulsory part of standard driving lessons. It’s your call—ask your instructor if you want to give the motorway a go.

The whole idea is to boost your motorway skills and take the edge off for your first solo trip. The first few minutes on a motorway go a lot better if you’ve already done it with an instructor right beside you. So, if you’re looking to get ahead, this is a game-changer for learner drivers aiming to be safer and more confident on fast roads.

Pass Plus: Why It Matters for Motorway Confidence

Let’s be honest: most new drivers are freaked out by the idea of joining a busy motorway for the first time. You’re not alone. In fact, an RAC survey found nearly 60% of newly-qualified drivers said they were nervous about motorway driving. That’s where the Pass Plus scheme jumps in to help. It’s a special course created by the DVSA, designed to cover things regular lessons sometimes skip—especially motorway journeys.

Pass Plus isn’t just about ticking boxes. You get real, practical experience in high-speed conditions, supervised by an instructor who knows what actually happens out there. It usually takes six hours of extra lessons, and the content covers:

• Motorway driving—merging, overtaking, and handling slip roads
• Driving in all weather—because rain and fog are more than just annoying
• Night driving—tackling glare and reduced visibility
• Town driving—dealing with traffic and tight spots
• Out-of-town and rural roads—watch for those hidden bends and tractors
• Dual carriageways—similar to motorways but with extra quirks

The big draw? Insurance discounts. Some companies will knock anywhere from 5% to 30% off your premium once you’ve got a Pass Plus certificate. That’s a nice chunk of change for six hours of your time. Check out some real numbers:

The Pass Plus course doesn’t have a test at the end. Your instructor judges your progress as you go. If they’re happy with your motorway driving, you pass. And that experience means that the next time you hit a slip road, you’ll actually know what to do, instead of guessing and hoping for the best.

If you’re serious about becoming a chill, safe driver on the motorway, Pass Plus is a shortcut to confidence and lower costs down the line. Doesn’t get more practical than that.

Rules Every Learner Needs to Know

If you’re a learner driver thinking about motorways, it’s not just a free-for-all. There are clear rules and you have to follow them, no excuses.

• Driving instructor only: You can only go on a motorway if you’re with a qualified DVSA-approved driving instructor. Parents or friends don’t count, even if they’re great drivers.
• Dual controls: The car must have dual controls. This is a legal must-have. No dual controls, no motorway for learners.
• England, Scotland, and Wales only: If you’re in Northern Ireland, these motorway rules for learners still don’t apply — stick to other roads there.
• L-plates: You need to display clear red L-plates on the front and back of your car when you’re a learner on the motorway. No L-plates, you’re breaking the law.
• No solo driving: Learner drivers can’t drive alone on any road, but it’s especially important on the motorway.

Here’s a quick breakdown of who can’t take you for a motorway lesson—just to clear things up:

The driving school car is also a requirement. It needs to have that extra brake pedal for your instructor. That means regular private cars won’t do, unless they’re set up for lessons.

Let’s be real—motorways are fast and mistakes happen quicker. That’s why these rules are so tight. The DVSA said it clearly:

"These changes aim to give learner drivers experience and skill in a controlled way before they drive alone on faster, more dangerous roads." — DVSA official guidance, 2018

One more thing: This doesn’t mean motorway lessons are mandatory. You don’t have to do them to pass your test, but it’s a good move if you want to feel confident when you get your own license. Taking that extra step with a proper instructor could save you a lot of sweat later on.

Oh, and one last tip—don’t forget your provisional licence. If you’re caught driving without it, motorway or not, you’re in serious hot water.

Tips for Your First Motorway Lesson

Heading onto the motorway for the first time might feel like a big leap, but with the right prep, you’ll find it’s less intense than you expect. Here’s what you can do to get the most out of your first shot at motorway driving.

• Listen to your DVSA instructor. They know the ropes. Don’t be shy about asking questions, whether it’s about joining the motorway or overtaking the big trucks. Your instructor can take control anytime with dual controls, which should ease your nerves.
• Get to know your car’s controls, especially for things like cruise control and mirrors. Efficient mirror checks and smooth lane changes make a huge difference at high speeds.
• Plan your lesson when traffic isn’t wild. Early mornings (but not rush hour) or after lunch are usually quieter, giving you more room for mistakes (and fewer lorries flying past).
• Start slow—literally. Most instructors pick quieter stretches of motorway, so you’re not merging right into heavy, fast-moving lanes your first time.
• Stay in the left-hand lane until you’re super comfortable. There’s no gold medal for overtaking on your first go.
• Practice reading road signs. You’ll need to spot junction numbers, speed limit changes, and warning signs ahead of time—it’s not just about staying at 70 mph.

Don’t forget the basics either, like checking your blind spots before moving lanes and leaving a big enough gap behind the car in front. At motorway speed, the two-second rule really matters. By the way, getting real-time traffic updates on your instructor’s sat nav is totally normal and makes things far less stressful.

One last thing—bring your provisional licence. It’s a small detail, but your instructor will want you to have it with you just in case. Once you tackle these first motorway miles, everything after will seem way less daunting.

Common Mistakes and How to Dodge Them

Messing up on the motorway is easier than you think, especially the first few times out. Even people with shiny new licenses slip up. Knowing the biggest mistakes helps you dodge them before they turn into scary moments or costly tickets.

• Not using mirrors before changing lanes: Loads of accidents happen because drivers forget to check mirrors and blind spots. Glance at your mirrors, then do a quick shoulder check. Make it a habit every time you move over.
• Hugging the left lane (or the right, for ages): Swapping lanes helps traffic flow, but some drivers either stick in the slow lane or just camp out in the fast lane. Law says keep left unless you’re overtaking – it’s safer, and you’ll annoy fewer people behind you.
• Misjudging speed when joining the motorway: The slip road is for getting up to speed. If you join too slow, it forces others to brake. Speed up to match the traffic so you can merge smoothly.
• Tailgating:

Following too closely is one of the most common bad habits, especially for new drivers. On a motorway, you need enough space to react. The Highway Code suggests at least a two-second gap between you and the car ahead – double that in rain.

• Missing or misreading road signs: Motorways have a lot going on – exits, lane drops, speed limits. Keep your eyes peeled for the big blue signs so you don’t miss your junction or suddenly have to swerve across lanes.
• Getting distracted by tech or friends: Punching the sat nav, fiddling with your playlist or just chatting with your instructor? Easy way to lose focus at 70 mph. Set stuff up before you leave and keep your attention on the road.

Here’s a quick look at what often goes wrong for learner and new drivers on the motorway, based on a 2024 AA survey:

If you really want to avoid these, practice with your instructor as much as possible. Ask them to quiz you on lane discipline, speed, and signs. Use the motorway with confidence, and you’ll set yourself up for safer, smoother journeys long after passing your test.

Remember, the motorway can seem intimidating, but if you keep these mistakes in mind and actually work on avoiding them, you’ll have a big edge over the average learner driver.

FAQs: Clearing Up What Everyone Gets Wrong

There’s a ton of confusion about learner drivers and the motorway. Here’s the truth to smash through those myths, so you don’t get caught out by bad advice or old rules.

Can any learner driver go on the motorway?

Nope. You must be with a professional driving instructor, not just any adult or your mate. The car needs to have dual controls—so even if you’re a quick learner, there’s always backup if things go wrong.

Is motorway driving part of the standard driving test?

Surprisingly, it’s not. You won’t be tested on a motorway during your practical test, even now. That’s why Pass Plus or motorway lessons are worth every minute—they actually prep you for fast roads, not just quiet side streets.

Can you use ‘L’ plates on the motorway?

Yes. Since the law changed, ‘L’ plates are fine on the motorway—but only under instruction, and you must be in England, Scotland, or Wales (sorry, Northern Ireland is different for now).

Can your parents or friends take you for motorway practice?

No chance. It has to be with an instructor approved by the DVSA. Regular supervisors (like mum or dad) aren’t allowed for motorway lessons. It’s a safety thing—professionals are trained for it, and you need their brakes, literally.

Is there a minimum number of lessons needed before going on the motorway?

No rule says you must have a certain number of lessons first. But most instructors wait until you’re steady with general driving skills before taking you onto the motorway.

learner drivers who take motorway lessons report feeling more confident when they head out on their own. According to the DVSA, almost 70% of learners said motorway training made them less anxious about real-life driving after passing.

• Always double-check your car insurance covers motorway lessons if you’re practising outside your instructor’s car.
• If you’re nervous, ask your instructor to cover joining and leaving the motorway several times—that’s usually the trickiest bit.

Don’t listen to old-timers who warn you off with outdated rules. The law’s changed, and it’s on your side—use that to your advantage!