Once you've passed your driving test, and need to learn about motorway driving, book a lesson with
on 01799 540174
In the meantime, here are the basics that you'll need to know
To drive on a motorway you must have a full driving licence for the class of vehicle that you're driving. Learner drivers are NOT allowed to drive on motorways.
You must have a thorough knowledge of the sections of the Highway Code that deal with the motorway. You need to learn and understand motorway warning signs and signals. You also need to be fit and alert to drive anywhere, but particulary on a motorway.
JOINING THE MOTORWAY
The Entry Point
The slip road leads straight on to an acceleration lane. This allows you to join the motorway and adjust your speed to that of the traffic already on the motorway before you have joined it.
Give Way
You must always give way to traffic on the motorway. Join when theres a suitable gap in the left hand lane.
OVERTAKING
Leave a safe distance between you and the vehicle you intend to overtake. Use the appropriate parts of the MSM routine. You must not overtake on the left unless:
the traffic is slow in queues and the queue on the right is slower than you.
NEVER move to a lane on your left to overtake.
THE HARD SHOULDER
SERVICE AREAS
Service areas are the only parking places available on a motorway. To reach these follow the same procedure as for motorway exits. Once you're off the motorway slow down and be aware that low speeds feel very different after motorway driving.
LEAVING THE MOTORWAY
Use the road signs and markers to help you time your exit and spread the use of your mirrors and indicators. You'll have plenty of time to observe the signs and markers so there is absolutely no need to rush.
You can only stop on the hard shoulder in case of an emergency. On the hard shoulder you will see emergency telephones that are linked directly to the police. These are placed every mile and can be used only in the case of an emergency.
One mile before exit
You will see a junction sign with road numbers on it.
Half a mile before exit
You will see another sign with the names of places accessible from that exit.
End of Motorway
There will be 'End of Motorway' signs (as shown on the left) at all exits. These also mean that the road you are joining will have different rules. Remember to watch for any signs telling what they are.
MOTORWAY INTERCHANGES
These are where motorways merge or separate and you may be required to change lanes. Pay attention to overhead direction signs and move into the correct lane in time. Where the hatch markings indicate splitter islands, stay in your lane. Assess conditions well ahead and watch for other drivers changing lanes.
WARNINGS ON MOTORWAYS
Headlight flashing
As the level of noise is quite high on a motorway, road users may not be able to hear your horn. If a warning is necessary, flash your headlights instead. Watch out for such warnings intended for you. If a driver behind you starts flashing his headlights and driving dangerously close you should stay calm and NOT be intimidated. Move back into the left hand lane as soon as you're sure there is a safe gap and that you don't cut into vehicles in the left hand lane.
