LEARNER drivers will be able to drive on motorways for the very first time from June 4 in plans to improve road safety.

The changes announced by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) are supported by road safety organisations, the driver training industry and the public, and will allow learners to have lessons on motorways if they are with a qualified instructor and in a dual-controlled car.

Motorways are some of Britain’s safest roads but latest figures show that in 2016, there were 93 fatalities and 803 serious injuries.

Allowing learners to take supervised motorway lessons and teaching them how to drive on them safely and properly will help cut the number of deaths and injuries.

With less than a month to go until the changes take effect DVSA is reminding drivers of the official motorway guidance in the Highway Code:

When you can see well ahead and the road conditions are good, you should:

• drive at a steady cruising speed which you and your vehicle can handle safely and is within the speed limit

• keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front and increase the gap on wet or icy roads, or in fog

• You MUST NOT exceed 70 mph (112 km/h), or the maximum speed limit permitted for your vehicle.

• You should always drive in the left-hand lane when the road ahead is clear. If you are overtaking a number of slower-moving vehicles, you should return to the left-hand lane as soon as you are safely past.

• Do not overtake unless you are sure it is safe and legal to do so. Overtake only on the right.

Rule 217 of the Highway Code will be especially important in relation to the new learners on motorways rule:

Learners and inexperienced drivers. They may not be so skilful at anticipating and responding to events.

Be particularly patient with learner drivers and young drivers.