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Can learner drivers drive on the motorway?

If you’re learning to drive, it’s estimated that you’ll need an additional 22 hours of private practice on top of 45 hours of lessons to pass your practical driving test.  

30.04.25

By Alan Boswell Group

a learner driver driving on the motorway

So, if you’ve already sorted out your learner driver insurance and are keen to start practising, we look at what the rules are for learner drivers on motorways, and what might happen if you accidentally break them.  

What are the rules on motorway driving for learners? 

Learner drivers have been allowed to drive on motorways since 2018, but only under specific conditions. To legally drive on a motorway, you must: 

  • be with an approved driving instructor (ADI); 

  • be in a car with dual controls. 

Can I drive on a motorway if supervised by an experienced driver? 

No. The law is very clear, and learners cannot drive on the motorway even if they’re accompanied by an experienced driver who meets all the requirements for supervision.  

Can I have motorway lessons with an approved instructor? 

You can have lessons on the motorway but it’s at the discretion of your driving instructor.  

If you don’t have motorway lessons while learning to drive, you can choose to take Pass Plus training after passing your test. The course takes around six hours in total and includes motorway driving (as well as driving at night, on rural roads, and in all weathers). Some insurers may also offer you a discount if you take the Pass Plus course as it demonstrates enhanced driving skills on a variety of roads. 

Are there any requirements for motorway lessons? 

Motorway driving is not part of the practical driving test so there’s no specific need to drive on a motorway while you’re still learning.  

If your driving instructor feels you’re ready for a motorway lesson (and you’re happy to drive), you must be in a dual-controlled car.  

What happens if a learner accidentally drives onto the motorway? 

If you take a wrong turn and accidentally drive onto the motorway, you must leave the motorway at the next exit.  

If you’re caught on the motorway as a learner without an approved driving instructor (accident or not), the penalties can be severe, and you can be fined up to £1,000 and be given up to six penalty points.  

Any penalty points on your provisional licence that haven’t expired will be transferred to your full licence once you pass your test. Remember that your full licence can also be taken away if you get six or more penalty points within two years of passing your test. 

What are the insurance implications for learner drivers? 

If you’re given a driving conviction or penalty points, your premium is very likely to increase. Some insurers may also be reluctant to provide cover in the future, which can limit your choices.  

Your insurance won’t be affected if you aren’t convicted or given any points.  

Is it illegal to drive on the motorway as a learner? 

It’s illegal to drive on the motorway as a learner driver without an approved driving instructor and in a dual control car.  

So, even if you’re having supervised private practice with an experienced driver, you still cannot venture onto the motorway.  

What happens if I drive on the motorway as a learner? 

Even if you accidentally end up on the motorway, you can still be penalised if caught. If you are, you face a fine of up to £1,000 and could receive up to six penalty points on your provisional driving licence.  

What’s the difference between a dual carriageway and a motorway? 

Dual carriageways and motorways share similarities, making it hard to distinguish between them. However, dual carriageways (as the name suggests) typically have two lanes of traffic going in each direction; these are separated by a central barrier (the central reservation).  

You’ll also find junctions and roundabouts on dual carriageways, allowing for more flexible traffic flows as cars can turn, cross and exit more frequently. Signs on a dual carriageway are normally green or white, and the road itself will be prefixed with the letter ‘A’ (for example, A14 and A3).  

In contrast, motorways usually have multiple lanes in each direction and are prefixed with the letter ‘M’, while signs are always in blue. If you want to exit a motorway, you’ll need to use a slip road, which will have a junction number clearly displayed.  

What are the speed limits on dual carriageways and motorways? 

The national speed limit for dual carriageways and motorways is 70 mph for cars. However, variable speed limits may be in force if there’s congestion, roadworks, or if there’s been an accident, so always pay attention to road signs.  

FAQs

Tailored learner driver insurance

There’s a lot to think about when you’re learning to drive, but tailored learner driver insurance can give you the reassurance you need to focus when you’re behind the wheel.  

We offer flexible policies that are available monthly or on an annual basis, comprehensive cover, and optional extras, including breakdown cover. If you’d like to find out more and speak to an expert about your options

Speak to us:  01603 301770

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