It is five years since a law was introduced permitting learner drivers on motorways.

However, more than half of drivers say they did not know it was allowed.

Not so quick

An AA Driving School survey has discovered that four in five drivers (83%) admitted they have never seen a learner having a motorway driving lesson.  Moreover, 57% say they are unaware that learner drivers can practise on motorways at all.

However, since 4 June 2018, learner drivers have been able to practise motorway driving. This is only allowed with an approved instructor and in a vehicle that has dual controls fitted.

Erratic behaviour

Another part of the research survey uncovered a number of bizarre driving behaviours witnessed by motorists on motorways.

Nearly half of 13,000 drivers surveyed said they had seen another driver crossing the chevrons back to the motorway after taking the wrong exit (49%) and driving down the hard shoulder when it was not permitted (49%).

Shockingly, one quarter also witnessed someone stop for a wee on the hard shoulder (26%).

Bad habits

According to the latest road crash statistics, driving errors where someone failed to look properly or judge another person’s path or speed correctly have been the most common contributory factor in motorway crashes in the last 10 years.

Tailgating is the 4th most common contributory factor in accidents on motorways. This compares to 9th most common across all road types.

Evolving momentum

Motorway driving has undergone a number of key changes in recent years. The introduction of smart motorways, variable speed limits and all-lane-running schemes are perhaps the three most controversial.

As a result, drivers report feeling less relaxed using smart motorways with no hard shoulder.

Meanwhile, poor lane discipline remains many drivers’ top pet hate for motorway driving.

As well as preparing new drivers more effectively for high sped motorways, the change to legislation to allow professional lessons on motorways were hope to improve motorway driving behaviour in general.

Learning lessons

Mark Born, Head of Instructor Training at AA Driving School says the lack of learners seen on motorways “indicates that some learners may not be making full use of the law change”.

“We were really pleased when the law changed because it gives more opportunities for novice drivers to build their experience before they take their driving test.

“We hope that more learners will take up motorway driving lessons to give them a head-start in building confidence and experience around motorway etiquette. It may well quash the next generation of middle-lane-hoggers, tailgaters and those inclined to take a cheeky toilet break on a hard shoulder.”

One new driver commented that motorway driving is “the most daunting thing for a lot of new drivers”.  They added that “if the rules of the motorway are understood and obeyed it’s the best way to travel long distances”.