Motorways can be a daunting prospect for new drivers. Most learners don't even go on the motorway until they've passed. To be fair, at first glance they can seem complex and intimidating. You might be surprised to learn, then, that they are some of the safest roads to drive on. In fact, many people find driving on motorways easier than using other roads.
You've probably heard that learner drivers can't drive on motorways, but this rule was changed in 2018. As long as you're being supervised by an Approved Driving Instructor, and you're driving with visible L-plates and dual controls, learner drivers can do motorway driving lessons.
Driving lessons are a great way to build your confidence and improve your skills, and motorway lessons are no exception. Don't worry — you won't need to do drive on a motorway during your driving test, so if you'd prefer to, you can avoid motorways and focus on passing your test for now.
Motorway driving lessons are still useful though. Once you've passed your test, you won't have your instructor there to correct any mistakes you make. It's a good idea to have a couple of hours practice with your instructor before you tackle the motorway on your own.
Are you interested in learning more about motorway driving? Whether you're a new driver or looking to brush up on your skills, our comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know! Ready to hit the road with confidence? Read all about it in our detailed motorway driving guide!
Smart motorways were introduced to the UK in 2006. They're similar to regular motorways but use technology to take actions like closing lanes or reducing speed limits. There is now a lot of investment in expanding these 'smart motorways'.
You will likely see them on your travels around the country. The technology is mainly used to adjust speed limits in reaction to developing hazards. They can also implement an 'all lane running' policy. This involves opening up the hard shoulder as an extra lane, with the aim of easing congestion and promoting a steady flow of traffic.
On smart motorways you should follow instructions on the gantry signs (the signs on the bridge-like structures above the road) as your journey progresses.
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A smart motorway is a section of the motorway that uses technology to reduce congestion and improve the flow of traffic. Pay attention to the gantries, which are the signs above the road. They’ll be updated in real-time and will tell you what speed limits are in place, and whether any lanes are closed. Sometimes, an ‘all-lane policy’ will be activated and means the hard shoulder can be used as an extra lane.
If you’re driving on the motorway at night, you’ll notice reflective studs in different colours on the ground. Amber studs are positioned between the edge of the right-hand lane and the central reservation and are there to help prevent you from drifting into the central reservation.
Traffic bunching is when cars slow down and form groups, either because of road works or a hazard ahead. Smart motorways can detect this, and the gantry sign will update the speed limit to reduce congestion. They may also open the hard shoulder as an extra lane, which helps reduce bunching and get things moving quickly again.
In the past, learner drivers weren’t allowed to drive on the motorway, but these rules changed in 2018. It won’t be part of your driving test, but it’s useful to get some experience of driving on the motorway with your instructor. You’ll have to be driving a car with visible L-plates and dual-controls, and be supervised by an approved driving instructor. This means that you won’t be able to drive on the motorway if a friend or family member is observing you. If you are learning to drive with a potential driving instructor (PDI), you won’t be able to take lessons on the motorway.
On any motorway, the left-hand lane is the one you should be using the most. You should use it when the road ahead is clear, and if traffic builds up in your lane, you can use the middle or right-hand lane to overtake. Once you’ve overtaken a vehicle, return to the left-hand lane and stay there unless you need to overtake again. Don’t spend too much time in the middle or right-lane — this will cause traffic behind you to become congested.
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