Motorway Driving Flashcards
What were motorways designed for?
To help traffic travel faster
Why should you be especially alert on motorways?
Conditions can change more quickly than on other roads
What should you do before undertaking a long motorway journey?
Check your vehicle thoroughly as continuous high speeds may increase risk of your vehicle breaking down
How can you join the motorway?
Use the slip road to adjust your speed to that of traffic already on the motorway
Always give way to traffic already on the motorway
What should you do once you’ve joined the motorway?
Keep in the left-hand lane while you get used to the higher speeds of the motorway
What is the left lane used for on the motorway?
All traffic, unless they’re overtaking, regardless of the speed they’re travelling at
What is the middle and right-lanes used for on the motorway?
For overtaking other vehicles
What should you do when you overtake on the motorway?
Normally only overtake on the right
Overtake on the left, ONLY if traffic is moving slowly in queues and the queue on your right is moving more slowly than the one you’re in
How can you help the flow of traffic joining the motorway (especially at peak times)?
If you’re travelling in the left lane, and traffic is joining from a slip road, move to another lane if you’re able
What happens if there’s a steep uphill gradient on the motorway?
A separate crawler lane may be provided for slow-moving vehicles to help the faster-moving traffic to flow more easily
What do countdown markers indicate?
How close you are to the next exit
How can you leave/exit the motorway?
Try to get into the left-hand lane in good time
What do you do if you miss your exit on the motorway?
Carry on to the next one.
What should you NEVER do on the motorway?
Stop or reverse
What is the national speed limit for cars and motorcycles on the motorway?
70 mph (112 km/h) for all lanes
Who is restricted to a lower speed limit on motorways?
Vehicles towing trailers
What is the speed limit on motorways for vehicles towing trailers?
60 mph (96 km/h)
What are the other restrictions placed on vehicles towing trailers on the motorway?
Not allowed to travel in the right-hand lane of a three-lane motorway unless there’s lane closures
What is the restriction placed on vehicles towing trailers in Northern Ireland on the motorway?
Shouldn’t use the right-hand lane of a three-lane motorway