Your first time on the motorway

Since 2018, learner drivers can take motorway lessons with an approved driving instructor. But many new drivers still feel nervous about their first solo motorway journey. Here's what to know.

Before you go

• Check your car: tyre pressure, oil, water, fuel
• Plan your route and know which junctions you need
• Adjust mirrors to minimise blind spots
• Set up sat-nav before driving
• Consider doing your first trip when it's quiet

Joining the motorway

The slip road is your opportunity to build speed to match the motorway traffic:

1. Accelerate along the slip road
2. Check mirrors and look for gaps in lane 1
3. Signal right
4. Match your speed to the traffic
5. Merge smoothly without forcing others to brake

Lane discipline

• Lane 1 (left): Normal driving lane
• Lane 2: For overtaking lane 1 vehicles
• Lane 3: For overtaking lane 2 vehicles
• Lane 4 (if present): For overtaking lane 3

Always return to lane 1 when not overtaking. Hogging the middle lane is an offence.

Safe following distances

At 70mph, you need at least a 2-second gap (more in rain). Use the two-second rule: pick a fixed point, and when the car ahead passes it, you should be able to count "one thousand, two thousand" before you reach it.

Leaving the motorway

1. Watch for signs. they count down from 300 yards
2. Move to lane 1 in good time
3. Signal left before the slip road
4. Don't slow down until you're on the slip road
5. Check your speedometer. you may feel like you're going slowly after motorway speeds

Breakdowns

If you break down on a motorway:

• Try to reach the hard shoulder or emergency area
• Turn on hazard lights
• Exit from the left side of the vehicle
• Stand behind the barrier if possible
• Call for help using an emergency phone or mobile
• Do not attempt repairs yourself

More information is available on GOV.UK's motorway section.