A GLASGOW man has become what is believed to be the first learner driver in Britain to take to a motorway for a lesson.

Chris Roden hit the roads with his instructor Robin Bans shortly after midnight on Monday as a law change came into force.

It allows learners to have lessons on the 70mph roads if accompanied by an approved instructor and driving a car fitted with dual controls.

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Before toasting his success with Irn-Bru in the early hours of Monday morning, the pair was even pulled over by curious police officers who wanted to know why a lesson was taking place at 1.30am.

Speaking about the lead up to the big moment, 35-year-old Chris, from Finnieston, said: “Robin mentioned in passing at my last lesson how our next one on Monday would fall on the day of the law change and would I like to go on the motorway.

“He said he had initially wanted to do it at midnight but hadn’t gotten round to asking anyone, at which point I gamely volunteered.

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“I’ve been learning with Robin for the last seven weeks and plan to sit my test at the end of this month. I have twin girls due in a couple of weeks and have been trying to pass around the time they arrive. I haven’t needed a car up until now as I live close to Glasgow City Centre.”

Hitting the motorway, Chris was surprised at how busy it was, considering the time.

However, he wasn’t too nervous and said he found the experience “great” one he automatically switched into “good concentration mode.”

Chris, who works at the University of Glasgow, was in for a shock when he was pulled over by cops towards the end of his lesson.

“It was one street from my flat on the drive back,” he said. “The officer was enquiring as to why we were undertaking a driving lesson at 1.30am. My instructor told him the date and waited to see if he knew the change in the law, which he didn’t, but he took it in good spirits and sent us on our way.”

Chris praised his West End-based driving instructor, and said: “He’s a fantastic instructor and human being and has been teaching learner drivers for 22 years.

“Robin is a genuinely passionate instructor and it was a pleasure to share this small piece of history with him.”

Encouraging other learners drivers to take the plunge, he said: “Do it - I think it’s a really good idea.”

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Chris will be sitting his test at the end of June.

It is hoped the new policy will better prepare novice motorists for driving at higher speeds and learn how to use motorways correctly.

Drivers were previously only allowed on motorways after passing their test.

Road safety minister Jesse Norman said: “Britain’s roads are among the safest in the world, but road collisions remain the second biggest killer of young people.

“Allowing learner drivers to have motorway lessons with a qualified road safety expert will help more young drivers to gain the skills and experience they need to drive safely on motorways.”