Motorways are not part of the car practical test, so many drivers take their first motorway journey after they pass. Learner rules do allow supervised motorway practice in Great Britain, but only in one narrow situation, and the position in Northern Ireland is changing. This guide separates the two, then explains the optional Pass Plus course that includes a motorway module.
The rule in England, Scotland and Wales
The Highway Code (Rule 253) states that provisional car licence holders must not drive on a motorway unless they are accompanied by a DVSA approved driving instructor (ADI) and are driving a car displaying red L plates (or D plates in Wales) with dual controls. GOV.UK’s learner guide sets out the same three conditions: the learner is driving in England, Scotland or Wales, is with an approved instructor, and the car has dual controls.
All three conditions apply together. A learner with a family member or friend as supervisor cannot use a motorway. GOV.UK says it is illegal to drive on the motorway when practising with family or friends, and it is also illegal for a family or friend supervisor to use a mobile phone while supervising. Driving without the right supervision can bring a fine of up to £1,000 and up to six penalty points on a provisional licence.
The motorway rules are Great Britain rules. The Highway Code cites motorway regulations for England and Wales and for Scotland, and GOV.UK’s learner guide lists only those three nations.
The position in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is a separate licensing system run by the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA), and it has just changed. The Department for Infrastructure says Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL), which began on 1 October 2026, permits L-plate drivers to use a motorway when accompanied by an approved driving instructor. After passing, the new driver’s R plate also allows motorway driving, up to the posted speed limit.
Older guidance remains on nidirect. Its page on losing a licence describes provisional licence conditions of a 45 mph maximum and no motorway driving, which reflects the earlier learner rules. Whichever applies depends on when the provisional licence began and on the transition dates, so the DVA should be asked before any motorway lesson is booked. The Northern Ireland GDL guide sets out those dates.
Why instructors matter here
Because motorway practice is limited to an instructor and a dual-control car, many learners in Great Britain ask for a motorway lesson near the end of their training. GOV.UK says instructors set their own prices and there is no minimum number of lessons, so a motorway lesson is arranged directly with an instructor. Learners can compare instructors near them on Compare Driving Instructors, the sister site to this one.
For the theory itself, the motorway rules topic guide and the motorway signs and signals guide cover what the Highway Code expects on joining, lane discipline and signals.
What Pass Plus is
Pass Plus is a practical training course run through the DVSA scheme for drivers who have already passed. GOV.UK says it takes at least six hours, can be taken at any time and is most useful to new drivers in the year after passing. It must be taught by an ADI registered with Pass Plus. It has six modules:
- driving in town
- driving in all weathers
- driving on rural roads
- driving at night
- driving on dual carriageways
- driving on motorways
Sessions should be practical, though local conditions may make some theory based, and drivers normally spend at least five and a half hours driving. There is no test, but the instructor assesses the driver throughout, and the required standard must be reached in every module.
Costs, certificates and insurance
GOV.UK says Pass Plus fees depend on where the learner lives, the instructor or driving school and how long the training takes. Some local councils discount the full cost, and all local councils in Wales offer discounted courses. A certificate is not automatic: the driver must send the signed training report form to the DVSA and should receive the certificate within two weeks. It may help with a car insurance discount, but the amount depends on the insurer and not every insurer offers one. The discount can be put on hold for up to two years if the driver has no car, subject to the insurer’s agreement.
The GOV.UK Pass Plus guide is written for Great Britain. Drivers in Northern Ireland should ask the DVA or their insurer about local options.
Frequently asked questions
Can my parent take me on a motorway when I have L plates?
No, in Great Britain. GOV.UK says that is illegal when practising with family or friends. See the provisional licence guide for the supervisor rules.
Is a motorway part of the practical driving test?
GOV.UK says the car test’s general driving covers various road and traffic conditions but not motorways. The practical test guide explains the test.
The bottom line
In England, Scotland and Wales a learner may use a motorway only with an approved instructor in a dual-control car showing L or D plates. Northern Ireland has moved to Graduated Driver Licensing, and the exact learner position depends on transition dates, so it needs to be confirmed with the DVA. Pass Plus is an optional extra for drivers who want guided motorway and night experience after passing. This is general information, not legal advice.
Sources
- Driving lessons and learning to drive (gov.uk)
- The Highway Code: Motorways, rules 253 to 274 (gov.uk)
- Pass Plus (gov.uk)
- Driving test: cars (gov.uk)
- Graduated Driver Licensing to be introduced in 2026 (infrastructure-ni.gov.uk)
- New drivers (nidirect.gov.uk)
- Graduated Driver Licensing for newly qualified drivers (nidirect.gov.uk)
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