1. Preparing for a Motorway Journey

Before embarking on a motorway journey, check your vehicle to ensure it can handle high-speed travel. Key checks include:

1. Fuel levels – ensure you have enough fuel, as stopping unnecessarily on a motorway is dangerous.
2. Oil and water – keeping your engine in good condition prevents breakdowns.
3. Tyres – check for proper inflation and tread depth.
4. Plan rest stops, especially for long journeys.

Learner drivers may take lessons on motorways but only under the supervision of an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) in a dual-controlled vehicle displaying L plates (or D plates in Wales).

2. Vehicles Prohibited on Motorways

Certain vehicles are not permitted to use motorways, including:

1. Pedestrians and horse riders
2. Bicycles
3. Motorcycles under 50cc
4. Powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters
5. Agricultural vehicles
6. Some slow-moving vehicles

3. Joining and Driving on the Motorway

When entering the motorway from a slip road:

1. Adjust your speed to match the traffic flow.
2. Give way to vehicles already on the motorway.

All vehicles should use the left-hand lane unless overtaking. After overtaking, return to the left lane when safe to do so.

Overtaking:

1. Normally, overtake on the right.
2. Overtaking on the left is permitted if traffic is moving slowly in queues and the right lane is moving slower than yours.
3. Some motorways have a separate lane for slow-moving traffic on steep inclines.
4. If safe, move over to allow traffic to merge from slip roads, especially during peak times.

Exiting the Motorway:

1. Countdown markers on the left-hand verge indicate an upcoming exit.
2. Move into the left lane in advance.
3. If you miss your exit, continue to the next one rather than stopping or reversing.

4. Speed Limits on Motorways

1. The national speed limit for cars and motorcycles is 70 mph.
2. Vehicles towing trailers are limited to 60 mph and cannot use the right-hand lane of a three-lane motorway (except when lanes are closed).
3. Observe speed restrictions in roadworks and contraflow systems.

Hazard warning lights can be used to warn traffic behind of sudden stops.

5. Reducing Congestion and Traffic Management

Traffic management techniques aim to reduce congestion and improve journey reliability. Measures include:

1. Variable speed limits: Displayed on gantries, these help maintain steady traffic flow.
2. Using the hard shoulder as a lane: Only when speed-limit signs indicate it is open.
3. Red Cross over lanes: Indicates a closed lane; do not enter.
4. Emergency areas: Designated stopping points for breakdowns.

6. Lane Markings and Reflective Studs

Motorway lanes are marked using reflective studs:

1. Red: Left edge of the carriageway
2. White: Between lanes
3. Amber: Right edge of the motorway
4. Green: Slip roads and exits
5. Fluorescent Green/Yellow: Temporary lanes, such as roadworks

7. Stopping and Breakdown Procedures

Stopping on a motorway is only permitted in the following situations:

1. Red lights flashing above every lane
2. Directed by police, DVSA, or traffic officers
3. Traffic congestion
4. Emergencies or breakdowns

For any other reasons (e.g., rest, phone call, checking a map), use a service area or leave the motorway.

In Case of a Breakdown:

1. Move onto the hard shoulder if possible.
2. Use emergency telephones (found at one-mile intervals) for assistance.
3. Provide your location (found on marker posts every 100 meters) when calling for help.
4. Switch on hazard lights and sidelights if visibility is poor.
5. Exit the vehicle from the nearside door and wait on the embankment, away from traffic.
6. If unable to reach the hard shoulder, turn on hazard lights and exit the vehicle safely when possible.

8. Motorway Safety Standards

Drivers must be able to:

1. Join and exit motorways safely.
2. Change lanes responsibly.
3. Obey all lane and speed control systems.

Key Rules:

1. Do not stop or walk on the motorway unless in an emergency.
2. Never pick up or drop off passengers on the motorway.
3. Be aware of variable speed limits and lane control systems.