Motorway driving

Prior to the law changing in 2018, the first time a full licence holder actually got to
drive on a motorway was after they passed their driving test.  For the vast majority,
this meant their first motorway driving experience was very much on their own and
without the tuition of a trained driving instructor, unless they took the Pass Plus
course.
It is hugely beneficial to invest in some Motorway Lessons. You may be a:
1. Newly Qualified Driver – Those who have recently passed their driving test, and
have little or no experience of driving on a motorway
2. Experience Motorway Anxiety – Drivers who have a specific anxiety of using a
motorway, which they want to overcome and indeed is very common.
3. Post Accident – Motorists who have been involved in a road traffic collision
4. Need To Use Motorways – Those who need to use the motorway more, and
want to build their confidence and ensure their skills are up to scratch
Motorways can be the safest of all UK roads and we have a number of very busy
ones around us – The M25, M1 and the A1 (M). The speed, congestion, signage,
lane discipline and often complex junctions on motorways leave many people
dreading the thought of driving on them. Do not let this hold you back, Motorways
are very safe and convenient roads to use.
It is important to get the best experience for you on the lesson, therefore we tailor the
lesson to meet your needs.
The areas we cover on motorway lessons are :
1) How to safely enter and exit a motorway
2) Learning to safely manage speed on motorways
3) Anticipate the actions and intentions of other drivers- read the road ahead.
4) Keeping a safe distance from other vehicles
5) Observation and advanced planning
6) How to cope with and diffuse road rage on motorways
7) Route planning and journey preparation
8) How to remain alert/deal with driver fatigue on a long journey
9) Dealing with adverse weather on a motorway
10) Rules and motorway signs
11) How to deal with a breakdown/emergency

Learners
The law changed on 4th June 2018 to allow learner drivers to gain motorway
experience before they pass their driving test but it has to be with a qualified driving
instructor, in a dual controlled car and not with friends/relatives .  It is a natural
progression from dual carriageway driving.
Should I take a motorway lesson?
Your driving instructor will make sure you have gained the road experience you
need, including the ability to control a car at higher speeds, awareness and planning
skills and general hazard perception before taking you on a motorway.  You will have
had the opportunity to practise these skills on a dual carriageway in preparation for
your motorway drive and be ready for this next step in your learning. Your instructor
will help you know when you are ready. Your instructor’s car will continue to show L
plates.
Motorway lessons are not compulsory. Whilst we recommend motorway driving
lessons, it is entirely up to the individual. Make sure you feel ready within yourself!
As a provisional licence holder you will ONLY be allowed to drive on a
motorway with a fully qualified driving instructor in a dual controlled car… so
no practising with friends/relatives is allowed.