MOTORWAY driving should be part of the driving test according to a new survey by Citroen and road safety group IAM RoadSmart.

Almost two thirds of drivers surveyed said they thought that motorway driving should now be included in the test.

As of this week, learner drivers are able to take lessons on Britain's motorways for the very first time.

The cars must be fitted with dual controls and the student driver has to be accompanied by an approved driving instructor.

Currently, learner drivers can pass the driving test without ever having driven on a motorway.

The new rules, which came into force on Monday, mean students now have the chance to develop vital driving skills such as how to join flowing traffic from a slip road, leave the motorway, overtake and use the lanes correctly.

Nevertheless, the new motorway driving lessons are voluntary and it will be up to driving instructors to decide when and if their student drivers experience driving on a motorway.

Research carried out by Citroen UK and IAM RoadSmart has revealed that 61 per cent of the 1,032 IAM RoadSmart members surveyed believe students should be tested on motorways before being handed their licence.

Souad Wrixen, Citroen UK's marketing director, said; "Citroen is a brand that understands the importance of educating new drivers, and ensuring they develop the essential skills needed to get behind the wheel of a car.

"The Citroën C3 supermini was recently voted Driving Instructor Car of the Year in the FirstCar Awards 2018, which reinforces our dedication to delivering an exceptional experience for all our customers - whether you're an approved driving instructor or you've only just passed your test."