Learner drivers are strongly encouraged to practice on a variety of road types before taking their tests.
However, driving on a motorway as a learner could result in a punishment of up to a £1,000 fine and up to six points on their licence before it even becomes a full driver’s licence. Rule 25 of the Highway Code states that provisional car licence holders must never drive on the motorway.
Despite this, there is one exception to this rule that could allow learner drivers to get practice on the motorway. Changes to the law brought in 2018 made it so that learners could drive on the motorway as long as they are accompanied by an ‘approved’ driving instructor.
Furthermore, the vehicle the learner is driving must be equipped with dual controls. This means that trainee driving instructors and friends and family with a full licence that’s at least two years old are not allowed to accompany the learner on the motorway.
While it is not compulsory for a learner to practice on the motorway before their test, as it is not included in the test itself, an instructor may still want to give their student some practice. Official guidance states: “Any motorways lessons will be voluntary.
“It will be up to the driving instructor to decide when the learner driver is competent enough for them.”
What will happen to a learner’s licence if they receive points?
As mentioned above, driving on the motorway without an approved driving instructor can result in a £1,000 and up to six points on their licence. A provisional licence can receive points in the same way a full licence can.
Points gathered on a provisional licence will carry over onto the full licence once the learner passes their test It’s important to note that new drivers with a full licence are on a two-year probationary period.
If more six or more points are accumulated throughout this period then the new driver will lose their licence and will have to retake their driving test. However, a learner can technically receive up to 11 points on their licence and still take their test.
However, if they gain any more points that pushes them past the limit then they will lose their licence. Furthermore, points accumulated throughout the provisional period could have a negative effect when they eventually start looking for insurance, with many insurers potentially charging far more for a new driver with points or even outright refusing to insure them.