How to Prepare for Your First Motorway Drive with a Manchester Instructor

Education Mar 25, 2025 27 Add to Reading List

Driving on a motorway for the first time can be both exciting and intimidating. Unlike city roads, motorways have higher speed limits, multiple lanes, and fast-moving traffic, which require confidence and strong driving skills. A professional driving instructor Manchester can help new drivers gain the experience and knowledge needed to drive safely on motorways.

If you’re preparing for your first motorway drive, here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure you feel confident and in control.

Understanding Motorway Driving Basics

Before heading onto a motorway, it's important to understand the key differences between normal roads and motorways:

Higher speed limits – Most UK motorways have a 70 mph speed limit (unless stated otherwise).
No traffic lights or roundabouts – Motorways use slip roads, merging lanes, and junctions instead.
Multiple lanes – Knowing when and how to change lanes safely is crucial.
Limited stopping options – Unlike city roads, you cannot stop on a motorway unless in an emergency.

A driving instructor Manchester will cover these basics before taking you onto a motorway for the first time.

Step 1: Plan Your Journey in Advance

Before heading onto the motorway, plan your route and identify key junctions and exits.

Use Google Maps or a GPS system to get familiar with your journey.
Check for any roadworks or closures that may affect your route.
Plan when and where you’ll join and leave the motorway to avoid confusion.

Having a planned route can help reduce stress and improve confidence before setting off.

Step 2: Start with a Dual Carriageway

Many driving instructor Manchester professionals introduce learners to high-speed driving on dual carriageways before taking them onto a motorway.

Dual carriageways have similar speed limits and road structures but are less intense than motorways.
This helps learners get used to higher speeds and overtaking rules in a controlled way.
Once comfortable, transitioning to a motorway becomes much easier.

If you're nervous, ask your instructor to start with dual carriageways before moving to full motorway driving.

Step 3: Merging onto the Motorway

One of the most important skills in motorway driving is joining the motorway safely via a slip road.

Increase speed on the slip road to match motorway traffic.
Use mirrors and blind spots to check for gaps in traffic.
Signal early to indicate your intention to merge.
Merge smoothly into the left lane without stopping.

A driving instructor Manchester will guide you through this process and help you gain confidence in merging safely.

Step 4: Understanding Lane Discipline

Unlike city roads, motorways have multiple lanes, and each has a specific purpose:

Left lane – The standard lane for normal driving.
Middle lane – Used for overtaking slower vehicles in the left lane.
Right lane – Used only for overtaking and returning to the left lane once safe.

Key rules to follow:

Stay in the left lane unless overtaking.
Avoid unnecessary lane changes to reduce risks.
Check mirrors and blind spots before switching lanes.

A driving instructor Manchester will help you practice lane discipline to ensure safe and confident driving.

Step 5: Overtaking Safely

Overtaking is a key motorway skill that needs to be done safely and legally.

Check mirrors and blind spots before overtaking.
Signal clearly before moving to the middle or right lane.
Increase speed smoothly while overtaking to maintain traffic flow.
Move back to the left lane once you have safely passed the vehicle.

A driving instructor Manchester will ensure you understand the correct overtaking procedure and when it's safe to do so.

Step 6: Maintaining a Safe Following Distance

On motorways, cars travel at higher speeds, making it essential to keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front.

Follow the "two-second rule" – Keep at least two seconds behind the car ahead.
In wet weather, double this to four seconds for extra braking distance.
Avoid tailgating, as it increases the risk of accidents at high speeds.

Your driving instructor Manchester will help you develop a habit of safe spacing on fast-moving roads.

Step 7: Dealing with Large Vehicles

Motorways often have lorries, buses, and other large vehicles that require extra caution.

Avoid driving in their blind spots, especially beside the vehicle.
Give them extra space as they take longer to stop.
Pass quickly but safely to avoid staying in their "wind turbulence zone."

Being aware of how large vehicles move will make your motorway driving safer.

Step 8: Using Motorway Exits and Junctions

Leaving a motorway requires planning and early positioning.

Check signposts to identify your exit in advance.
Move into the left lane early to avoid last-minute lane changes.
Reduce speed smoothly on the exit slip road.
Be aware of merging traffic at roundabouts or dual carriageways.

A driving instructor Manchester will ensure you learn exit strategies to avoid confusion or sudden maneuvers.

Step 9: Handling Emergency Situations

Since motorways don’t allow stopping except in emergencies, it’s important to know what to do if something goes wrong.

If your car breaks down, pull over to the hard shoulder and turn on hazard lights.
Call for assistance using emergency roadside phones (located every mile on the motorway).
Stay behind the safety barrier and away from traffic.
Never walk on the motorway to seek help.

A driving instructor Manchester will teach you how to handle breakdowns and emergency stops safely.

Final Thoughts

Driving on the motorway for the first time can feel overwhelming, but with proper training from a driving instructor Manchester, you can build confidence and master motorway skills. By learning how to merge safely, maintain lane discipline, overtake correctly, and handle emergencies, you’ll be fully prepared for a smooth and stress-free motorway driving experience.

With practice and the right guidance, you’ll soon feel comfortable navigating Manchester’s motorways like a pro.

Take the first step towards driving freedom with Impulse Driving School, the best driving school Manchester.