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Blog > M3 or A31?
Author: Dan Sayles
As I drive from my hometown of Winchester to our partner agency’s office in Dorking, on a Monday morning, I am faced with the usual dilemma of ‘up the M3 and down, or up the A31 and across!’
This decision is one which usually doesn’t take long, but today it got me thinking. In recent news Road Minister, Mike Penning, has announced that he would like to have learner drivers on motorways, so they can experience what it’s like before they have their practical driving test. This has sparked a number of opinions from various areas but mainly the Driving Instructors Association and the Road Haulage Association.
The DIA express that its important learners have the opportunity to be tutored on a motorway, with suitable supervision and guidance. The RHA say it will cause more accidents, stressful situations and delays; some lorry drivers are even saying learners should stay off the motorways even after passing for a set period!
Now, I’m not exactly sure where the RHA are coming from here because the fact is, the moment a person passes their driving test they’re going to be let loose on the motorways straight away anyway, with no tuition (unless they opt for Pass Plus). If driving lessons included a bit of motorway driving then at least these new drivers will have their first taste of the motorway under the watchful eye of an instructor…with dual pedal controls!
In my view, I think it’s a positive thing to settle the nerves of new drivers on motorways. In some respects it’s a good way to limit the very complaint the RHA are pitching. If people are taught how to do something, they’ll do it better than if they hadn’t, it’s a fairly simple concept to me.
I took the A31 today, if you’re interested!
20th Feb 12
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