For many new drivers, the motorway is something that can be a little intimidating. All of those lanes of fast moving traffic, as well as the rules and regulations that need to be adhered to on the motorway can make getting onto one something that can be worrying for many people. Even some people who have been driving for years can be nervous driving on a motorway.
However, motorways are safe and the rules are there to protect you, so as long as you adhere to them driving on the motorway should not be a problem – in fact, you could argue that as one long straight road motorway driving is the easiest.
Nowadays, learner drivers are allowed to practice with their instructor on the motorways, which does help to familiarise them with the rules there and the way that things are done. Although none of the driving test routes will be on the motorway, having some experience of driving on it is always good.
There are certain things that you will see on the motorways that you won’t see on other roads – smart motorways are an obvious one, as well as vehicles that are marked with chapter 8 chevrons like this www.pvluk.com/chapter-8-chevrons – these are vehicles that could need to stop to work on the roadside, such as police, paramedics or breakdown recovery vehicles.
If you have passed your driving test and are planning a first trip on the motorway, here are a few things that can help you to be comfortable and safe whilst doing it…
Get your Car Ready – Before you even set out make sure that your car is ready for the trip. Check all the essentials such as oil and water as well as the tread of your tyres to help you reduce your chances of breaking down on your journey.
Do a Small Journey the First Time – For your first time try to just do a short journey. Doing this makes it easier and you can build up confidence to go further once you are familiar with it.
Stay in the Left Lane – On your first few trips, it is best to stay in the left lane. This is a slower lane generally and gives you the time to become accustomed with the road without having to worry about changing lanes.