L-drivers still banned from motorways here despite U-turn in UK

There are no plans to allow learner drivers onto Irish motorways even though the UK has relaxed rules in the area.

The UK government said learner drivers will be able to have lessons on motorways with an approved driving instructor in a dual-controlled car.

Experts believe inexperienced new drivers reluctant to go on the busier roads choose more  dangerous back roads and lanes where crash statistics are higher.

But the Road Safety Authority (RSA) told The Irish Times that there will be no change in regulations in Ireland.

RSA communications manager Brian Farrell said L-drivers were inexperienced and that it was not a good idea to put them in “a high speed environment while learning to drive”.

However he said the motorway ban would be “kept under review”.