Motorway Lessons for Learners
Since 2018, learner drivers have been permitted to drive on motorways accompanied by an approved driving instructor in a dual-controlled car. This is an optional addition to your standard lessons — not a requirement — but it can be genuinely valuable, particularly if you live near a motorway junction or know you'll be using one regularly once you've passed.
Motorway driving isn't covered in the standard practical test, which means many newly qualified drivers reach their licence having never driven above 60mph. Taking a lesson or two on the motorway before your test means you won't face that experience alone for the first time.
⚠️ Learner motorway lessons — rules
To take a motorway lesson as a learner you must hold a valid provisional licence and be accompanied by your ADI in a dual-controlled car. You cannot take a motorway lesson with a family member or friend regardless of their driving experience. These rules are set by the DVSA.
Motorway Tuition for Qualified Drivers
If you've already passed your test, motorway tuition with an instructor is one of the most effective ways to build genuine confidence on faster roads. Many qualified drivers — particularly those who passed in urban areas and rarely needed a motorway — find the first few motorway journeys anxiety-inducing. A structured lesson removes that pressure entirely.
Sessions can focus on whatever you find most challenging — joining from a slip road, lane discipline, overtaking safely, smart motorway rules and variable speed limits, or simply the general confidence that comes from driving at motorway speeds with an experienced instructor beside you.
Roads We Cover
From our coverage area in Essex and East London, motorway sessions typically use the M25 (Junction 28 at Brentwood is closest for most of our learners), the M11 from Junction 4 near Woodford through to Junction 6 at Stansted, and faster dual carriageway sections of the A12 and A127 as preparation for motorway speeds. Your instructor will plan a session suited to your starting area and the roads most relevant to your needs.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
Most learners and newly qualified drivers find one or two sessions is sufficient to feel comfortable. Each session is typically two hours to allow enough time for joining, cruising at speed, overtaking and exiting in a single outing — one-hour motorway sessions rarely cover enough ground to be useful. Your instructor will advise based on how your first session goes.