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
When can you use your hazard lights on the motorway?
To show traffic behind that the traffic ahead is slowing down or stopping suddenly
Switch them off as soon as a queue forms behind you
What should you do as you approach road works on the motorway?
Lower your speed limits especially if there’s a contraflow system
Obey all speed limits
Keep a good distance from the vehicle ahead
What is ATM?
Active Traffic Management
Why is ATM in force at some motorways?
Reduce congestion
What happens on the motorway when ATM is operating?
Mandatory speed limits are shown on the gantries.
What is the point of mandatory speed limits on the motorways with ATM operating?
If traffic speed can stay constant over a longer distance, bunching will be reduced and journey times will normally improve. Variable speed limits can help with this.
What happens to the hard shoulder on ATM motorways?
Sometimes used as a normal traffic lane
How do you know when the hard shoulder is used as a normal traffic lane on ATM motorways?
A speed limit sign will be shown above all lanes, including the hard shoulder.
What does a red cross above lanes signify?
You shouldn’t travel in this lane, and it should only be used in an emergency/breakdown
What are emergency refuse areas?
Built an area for use in emergencies and breakdown
Where do traffic operators operate?
In England, operating on motorways and some class ‘A’ roads
What are traffic operators able to do?
Stop and direct anyone on a motorway or an A Road
Respond to calls made on roadside emergency telephones
What is the point of reflective studs?
Help you identify your position on the carriageway, especially at night or during fog
Where are ‘red’ reflective studs?
Between the hard shoulder and carriageway
Where are ‘amber’ reflective studs?
Between the edge of the carriageway and the central reservation
Where are ‘white’ reflective studs?
Between lanes
Where are ‘green’ reflective studs?
Between carriageway and slip roads
Where are ‘fluorescent green/yellow’ reflective studs?
at contraflow systems and roadworks
When should you stop on the motorway?
If flashing lights show above every lane
When told to do so by police/traffic officers
In a traffic jam
In an emergency/breakdown
When should you move over on the motorway?
If signals on the overhead gantries say so
When should you stop on the hard shoulder?
In an emergency.
What should you do when you need a rest or consult a map?
Either leave at the next exit or go to a service area
What should you do if you gain a puncture or breakdown on the motorway?
Try to get onto the hard shoulder and call for help. Try to use an emergency telephone.
Where are the emergency telephones on the motorway?
At one mile intervals. Markers post at 100-meters intervals point you in the direction of the nearest phone.
Why should you use an emergency telephone on the motorway?
They’re connected directly to a control centre, where the operator will deal with your call and direct the appropriate services to help you
What should you do when using an emergency telephone on the motorway?
Stand and face on-comng traffic so you can see any approaching hazards e.g. the draught from a large vehicle could unsteady you
What should you take note of if you decide to use your mobile phone instead of an emergency telephone?
Check your location (the number on the nearest marker post) before you make the call
Give this information to the emergency services
How can you rejoin the carriageway from the hard shoulder?
Wait for a safe gap and then gain speed on the hard shoulder before moving out onto the main carriageway
What should you do if you cannot get onto the hard shoulder when you break down?
Switch on the hazard warning lights
Leave your vehicle only when you can get clear of the carriageway safely
Can I drive on a motorway with a provisional car or motorcycle license?
Provisional licence motorcyclists can’t drive on the motorway.
From June 4, 2018 learner drivers can drive only with an approved driving instructor (ADII) and in a dual-control car that’s clearly displaying L plates
How should I negotiate a contraflow system?
Keep a good distance from the vehicle in front, and observe the lower speed restriction.
Keep to your lane and don’t switch lanes uneccessarily
What is different with a contraflow system as opposed to a normal system?
Lanes are likely to be narrower, and there may be no permanent barrier between you and oncoming traffic.
I know that pedestrians and horse riders can’t use a motorway - what vehicles aren’t allowed?
Bicycles
Motorcycles under 50cc
Most powered wheelchairs or mobility scooters
Agricultural vehicles
Certain slow-moving vehiicles
