Young drivers in Herefordshire and Worcestershire urged to learn motorway safety
Over half of newly qualified drivers had never driven on a motorway before passing their test
With thousands of newly qualified drivers in Herefordshire and Worcestershire are expected to take to the motorways for the first time this summer.
Summer is a peak season for new drivers, with August consistently seeing some of the highest driving test pass rates.
According to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), an average of 49.2% passed their tests during August over the past three years, with 68,343 drivers passing in August 2024 alone.
However, data shows that young drivers under 30 account for a quarter of all car and van drivers killed or seriously injured in collisions involving HGVs (Heavy Goods Vehicle).
In response, National Highways have joined forces with RED Driving Training to encourage all drivers, but particularly recent licence holders, to Know the HGV Zones and follow essential safety tips.
Colin Stevenson, who is the Road Safety Information Lead at National Highways and based in the West Midlands, said: “Summer is a really exciting time for young newly qualified drivers – many will be going on day trips with friends, heading to festivals, celebrating exam results, or even preparing to move away to university. As part of these new adventures, many will be driving on the motorway for the first time.
“Driving near large vehicles like HGVs can be intimidating. That’s why we’re urging all new drivers to understand how to stay safe around them. Knowing the blind spots, giving HGVs space, and staying visible can make all the difference in helping everyone get to their destination safely.”
Despite a 2018 law change allowing learner drivers to use motorways with an approved instructor and a dual controlled car, new research from National Highways and RED Driving Training reveals that over half (53%) of new drivers had never driven on a motorway before passing their test.
This lack of motorway experience is reflected in two in five (41%) newly qualified drivers admitting to panicking when an HGV is nearby, highlighting a need for better preparation around large vehicles.
Seb Goldin, CEO, RED Driver Training, said: “At RED, our priority is always to ensure that new drivers understand all the rules of the road, including correct behaviours on motorways and how to behave around larger vehicles on the road.
"Experience is a major factor in driving safely on the motorway and we would encourage all new or learner drivers to consider additional training, which involves motorway driving with an approved instructor."