Ref. 71519-52 Fear of the unknown . . . driving instructor Brenda WithersMOTORWAY jams can turn a simple journey into a nightmare.

But an increasing number of drivers are becoming nervous about driving on a motorway under any circumstances.

One in three drivers admitted to feeling anxious when driving on motorways in a survey published by the RAC Foundation today.

And one in 10 claimed to drive a significant distance out of their way to avoid travelling on a motorway.

Newly qualified drivers have no experience of motorway driving. They can take a post-test motorway training with a qualified instructor.

But driving schools say there is little uptake of the Pass Plus course even though new drivers can apply for a £60 grant from Swindon Council towards the cost of the course, which is around £150.

Some Swindon driving instructors think motorway driving should become a compulsory part of the driving test.

Bokari Musa-Eiggie, of the Yellow Belly Driving School said: "Because the Pass Plus course is optional, most of the students don't bother.

"New learners are anxious about driving on the motorway but there is an inevitably to it, they eventually have to do it.

"It would be easier for them if they knew what to look out for.

"The council ought to advertise the funding for the Pass Plus course more. Not many people are aware of it."

Brenda Withers, of B and S School of Motoring, said: "People do get nervous about driving on the motorway because they have never done it before. It is the fear of the unknown.

"A lot of people don't bother with the Pass Plus course once they have got their licence because they don't want to pay more money.

"I would like to see motorway driving become part of the driving test."

The RAC study found nervous drivers reinforce their own fears, cause other motorists to become frustrated and increase the risk of motorway accidents.

Swindon Council's road safety manager Margaret Tester said grants for the Pass Plus course were set up to reduce the accident rate among new drivers.

She said: "It gives people the opportunity to experience hazards. After they pass their test people have a different frame of mind and it can help build confidence. It is too early to see what effect it has on accident rates.

Around 43 per cent of new drivers took up the Pass Plus grant compared to 14 per cent nationally.

People can apply for the Pass Plus grant within a year of passing their test. The course also covers driving at night time, in and out of urban areas as well as travelling on duel carriageways. Taking the course can reduce insurance premiums.

Bhavani Vadde