Motorways

Motorways are often feared by new drivers, but with the right knowledge and preparation, they are among the safest roads on which to travel in the UK. This guide will help you understand motorway rules, safe practices, joining and exiting, and how to build confidence.

✅ Key Facts at a Glance

• The national speed limit on a motorway is 70 mph for most cars, unless signs indicate otherwise.
• Learner drivers may drive on motorways only if accompanied by a DVSA-approved instructor in a car fitted with dual controls.
• The practical driving test does not include motorway driving. If you enter a motorway unintentionally during your test and it’s your fault, this may result in a fail.
• Motorways often have up to four lanes, blue signage, and countdown markers on exits.

Motorways are not accessible to learner riders or motorbikes with engines smaller than 50cc. Motorways are also off-limits to cyclists, horseback riders, and certain slow-moving or oversized vehicles without specific permission.

Learner drivers can now drive on motorways if they are accompanied by an approved driving instructor (ADI) and the teaching vehicle is equipped with dual controls. The practical driving test, on the other hand, does not include driving on motorways, and if a test applicant were to join a motorway by accident and it was the test candidate’s fault, a test failure would be issued.

When compared to dual carriageways, motorways can have up to four lanes and employ blue signage. Green signs are used on the roads. When you first go on a motorway, stay in the left lane until you’ve adjusted to the shift in pace and the traffic around you.

Interchange at Motorways

A motorway interchange is a location where two or more motorways may split or merge. An interchange sign, such as the one seen here, will usually give you a one-mile warning, allowing you plenty of time to choose the lane you need.

It’s critical to get into the correct lane as soon as possible, as it may get tough if you wait too long. The closer you approach to the junction, the more solid white lines you’ll see, making it unlawful to cross across.

Exit the Motorway

The location of the exit junction, the route name, and the distance to the exit junction are all displayed on the motorway exit signs.

The exit sign provides you with a one-mile caution, followed by a half-mile warning. After that, countdown markers are employed, beginning with a 300 yard marker, then a 200 yard marker, and lastly a 100 yard marker.

At the 300 yard marker, use the MSM procedure to give other traffic plenty of notice of your intentions. Pay close attention to signs indicating which lane you need for your destination on the exit deceleration slip road.

Using Motorways

Joining a Motorway

Most people fear this part, especially when merging onto a congested highway. Joining a highway is almost identical to joining a dual carriageway, which most of us have done. You will gain confidence and find the process easier as you practise.

The main steps in joining a highway are as follows:

• must analyse the traffic on the motorway as soon as possible from the slip road and modify your speed to match what they’re doing.
• Before joining, provide a right-hand signal to indicate your want to join. This makes it easier for other drivers to see you at night.
• Prioritize traffic that is already on the highway. If it appears that getting onto the road is problematic, cars will usually slow down or change to another lane.
• Before you join, check your right mirror and over your right shoulder to make sure it’s safe.
• not to drive on the hard shoulder, but to stay in the left lane once you’ve joined until you’ve gotten used to the pace and conditions.

🛠 Motorway Driving: Best Practices & Rules

1. Joining a Motorway

• Use the slip road to gain speed and match traffic flow.
• Use your right mirror and shoulder check to ensure it’s safe to merge.
• Signal early to show your intention.
• Give priority to vehicles already on the motorway; wait for a safe gap.

2. Maintaining Lane Discipline & Overtaking

• Stay in the left-most lane unless overtaking slower vehicles.
• Before overtaking: use MSM / MSPSL routines (Mirror, Signal, Position, Speed, Look).
• Don’t linger in the overtaking lane—return left as soon as it is safe.
• Be cautious when overtaking large vehicles; allow extra room as they may create turbulence or block vision.

3. Exit & Leaving Motorway

• Watch for exit signs well in advance: first you’ll see a one-mile warning, then ½ mile, then a series of countdown markers (300 yards, 200 yards, 100 yards).
• Signal left and change lane early.
• Slow down gradually using the deceleration lane (do not brake suddenly).
• Avoid crossing solid white lines near the exit point.

4. Dealing with Interchanges & Junctions

• Many motorway interchanges allow you to switch between motorways.
• Pay attention to signs; some exits require you to be in the correct lane in advance.
• Do not cross solid white lines at motorway junctions.

🧠 Instructor Insights

• I always tell new learners: start practising motorway driving in lower-speed traffic and under supervision to build your comfort level.
• Use the mirror → signal → manoeuvre routine consistently; it becomes automatic under test conditions.
• Pay attention to countdown markers and signs early—your brain needs time to plan your exit.
• Practice “what if” scenarios: what you’d do if a car brakes suddenly ahead, or if traffic slows.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

📋 Motorway Driving Checklist

• Familiarise yourself with motorway signs and rules
• Use mirror, signal, and shoulder checks before merging
• Overtake safely, then return to left lane promptly
• Plan exits early using countdown markers
• Decelerate in the designated lane, do not brake on the carriageway
• Be extra cautious in bad weather or heavy traffic

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can a learner drive on a motorway during lessons?
A: Yes, only if they are accompanied by a DVSA-approved instructor and the teaching vehicle is fitted with dual controls.

Q: Will motorway driving appear on the driving test?
A: No, motorway driving is not part of the practical test. But entering one unintentionally during the test, if judged your fault, can cause a fail.

Q: Should I always use the left lane on a motorway?
A: Yes, unless overtaking or preparing to exit. Using middle or right lanes unnecessarily disrupts traffic flow.

📚 Attribution & Official Guidance

Some content here is adapted from DVSA / Highway Code resources. FQ Driving Academy is not affiliated with DVSA. For official motorway rules and guidance, see:

• The Highway Code (rules for motorways)
• DVSA guidance on motorway driving and joining/exiting