Motorway Driving Tips

Motorways can be a daunting experience, especially if you are driving on the motorway for the first time. However, there is no need to worry – motorways are sometimes considered safer than normal roads, as there are no pedestrians or other obstructions to worry about. With our informational guide, you can travel on the motorway with confidence as we cover driving tips for each step of the motorway.

Before the motorway

• Get your car ready - one of the biggest fears people have when preparing for motorway driving is the prospect of breaking down. To ensure this does not happen, there are steps you can take – be sure to check the features of your car, such as: engine oil, brake fluid, lights and tyres before heading onto the motorway.

On the motorway

• Make room for stopping distance - follow the two-second rule to give yourself enough reaction time (or maintaining a distance of two chevrons apart). Alternatively, if you are experiencing adverse weather conditions, you need to extend that stopping distance to four seconds.
• Utilise your mirrors - your situation on the motorway can change in a second, which is why it’s vital to check your mirrors regularly, as this will allow you to stay alert to your surroundings.
• Take regular breaks - you most likely will be travelling on the motorway for a lengthy period of time, so it’s important to take regular breaks. Ideally, it’s advised that you should stop every two hours to avoid getting tired behind the wheel.
• Indicate in good time - reaction time is essential when it comes to all aspects of driving – and this is not any different on the motorway. It is important to indicate at the right time before changing lanes, as this will allow time for your fellow motorists to adapt.
• Watch out for larger vehicles - do not try to overtake lorries, especially during roundabouts and bends. This is because, motorists in larger trucks most likely will not be able to see you.
• Stay in the left lane - there is a common misconception that other motorway lanes are for ‘fast drivers’, however this is not true – these lanes are simply for overtaking, and there is no need to use them otherwise.

Leaving the motorway

• Plan ahead - mapping out the motorway exits you want to use beforehand is really useful as you can feel confident knowing your route, and give other motorists enough reaction time before your departure.
• Indicate before the 200-yard marker - the general speed on the motorway is 70mph. Due to this high speed, it’s important to indicate earlier than you would usually do on a normal road – as this will let other drivers know you are preparing to leave.

Driving on the motorway at night

• Give yourself more time - driving at night means your visibility is restricted, therefore it is important to give yourself more time to make manoeuvres, as it can be harder to judge the speed of other motorists.
• Pay attention to the motorway stud colours - when driving on the motorway at night, motorway stud colours can help identify the correct lanes and guide you to exiting junctions when needed.
• Be mindful about your use of lighting - whilst you want to make sure that all your lights are fully functional, it is important not to use fog lights if it’s not necessary, as this can affect the other drivers’ visibility.

Now that you are all clued up on motorway driving, you can begin your next journey assured in your driving abilities – however if you would like to feel confident in your car’s roadworthiness, then you can book a service with one of our garages. For any other motor-related queries, do not hesitate to get in touch with our specialist team.