Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask His Majesty's Government, with regard to the Road Safety Strategy, published on 7 January, whether they plan to introduce additional night and motorway driving lessons or requirements as part of (1) the proposed minimum learning period for learner drivers, or (2) the probation period.

The new Road Safety Strategy sets out our vision for a safer future on our roads for all. This includes consulting on a Minimum Learning Period before learner drivers can take their test. This would allow learners more time to gain essential experience, for example in different weather conditions, before driving independently and reduce the risk to themselves and other drivers.

Learner drivers are already able to gain experience in both night‑time and motorway driving under the current system. Since June 2018, learners have been permitted to take motorway driving lessons with an approved driving instructor in a dual‑controlled car, which provides structured exposure to higher‑speed environments before they take their test.

While night driving is not mandatory, it is already covered within the DVSA‑recommended syllabus, and many instructors introduce it as part of their training programmes where appropriate.

The Government will consider all responses to the Minimum Learning Period consultation before deciding on next steps and a response to the consultation will be published in due course.