Learner drivers will be allowed on to motorways for the first time, if new government plans are approved.
Transport minister Andrew Jones says the move would help make roads in Britain safer.
The lessons will not be mandatory and driving instructors will decide when their students are ready.
The Department for Transport is also looking at trialling a "target number" of hours of lessons to complete before learners take their test.
The proposal is one of a number of ideas being considered by ministers as part of a £2m research programme by the DfT into improving safety for new drivers.
The government said the change would allow learner drivers to "get a broader driving experience", practise at higher speeds and put their theoretical knowledge into practice.
Mr Jones said: "We have some of the safest roads in the world and we want to make them even safer.
"These changes will equip learners with a wider range of experience and greater skill set which will improve safety levels on our roads."
For car drivers, the changes would mean that competent learners would be able to have lessons on motorways with an approved driving instructor in a dual controlled vehicle.
For those on motorcycles, the Compulsory Basic Training course - which allows them to ride unaccompanied on roads - would also be updated.
Motorcycle training would also require more online courses, with novice riders having to take a theory test.
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