So, you've passed your driving test, you've got your first car and you've sorted out your cheap car insurance from Hoot, now you can start driving.
For many young (and not-so-young) drivers, motorways can be a nerve wracking experience. If possible take a pass plus or motorway driving course; your driving instructor will be able to arrange this for you.
Motorways are safe
Motorways are safer than dual-carriageways because all the traffic is travelling in the same direction and at similar speeds. There are no pedestrians, cyclists, mopeds, learner drivers or farm traffic, such as tractors. There are no sharp bends, no roundabouts, no right turns and no oncoming traffic. The lanes are wide (except at roadworks), the road markings are clear, and there are long stretches of straight road.
Those are the plus points, however, the general flow of traffic is faster, things can happen quickly and unexpectedly and you have to concentrate and be aware of traffic all around you.
Joining the motorway
You usually join a motorway from a roundabout that takes you to a slip road leading to an acceleration lane. The traffic to your right will be at full speed, remember you are joining the flow and need to judge your speed and not interfere with the cars already travelling at high speed. Usually drivers will be aware that traffic is coming onto the motorway and, if they are able, they will pull out into the middle lane to make room for you. On a busy motorway this manoeuvre can be difficult; you will need to use your speed and judgement carefully, checking traffic all around. Use your mirrors and check over your right shoulder. Signal correctly, especially if you intend to move into the middle lane to pass slow traffic.
On the motorway
Experienced drivers talk about "lane discipline" on motorways and this means driving in the correct lane for your speed and flow of traffic. Basically you should always be in the left hand lane, unless you are travelling faster than the traffic ahead. If you come up to slow vehicles you will need to overtake.
Much like joining the motorway overtaking needs care and attention; you need to use your mirrors carefully and judge the speeds and distances of all cars around you. If it is safe to pull out into the lane to your right, you should signal and move out smoothly. Avoid getting to close to the car in front and when you have gone past, move back into the left hand lane; again smoothly, far enough ahead to give them a two second gap and with correct use of signals.
Some drivers try to stay continuously in the middle lane even when there is no traffic to overtake. This is dangerous and causes frustration for other road users. Never try to undertake a "middle-lane driver", always go around them, no matter how annoying it is.
Use the two second rule to space yourself from the driver in front. In poor conditions, such as rain and fog you should increase the space to four seconds. Drivers who are overtaking may well move into your two-second gap, but you should just gently adjust your speed to increase the gap.
Getting off the motorway
Big blue exit signs, with details of the ongoing road numbers are located one mile from the exit. At a half mile the destination towns are detailed. At 300 yards from the exit the deceleration lane starts and is highlighted by a blue sign with three diagonal slashes. Start signalling here as a warning to traffic behind, but don't slow down yet. These signs are a count down to the deceleration lane; there will be a two slash sign and, a hundred yards from the exit, there will be a one slash sign that signals the start of the deceleration lane. Once in the lane you can begin to reduce your speed.
If you miss your exit you have to drive on. Remember, you cannot reverse, cross the central reservation, or drive in the wrong direction on a motorway. You will just have to continue to the next exit and consult a route map (always keep a road atlas in your car for motorway or long distance driving). Remember, if you break motorway regulations you will be penalised and points on your license can seriously affect your cheap car insurance.
You will usually quickly come to a roundabout, so it useful to know which road number you want or some of the destination towns on your route.
Once on your chosen route remember that the flow of traffic will be different; there may be oncoming traffic and sharp bends. You will need to adjust your speed accordingly.
Hoot and motorway driving
Experience is the key with motorway driving and the pass plus course for new drivers is likely to help you get cheap car insurance as well. So, it's a worthwhile investment for a safe driving future. Call Hoot's friendly advisors today and find out how much you could save on your young driver car insurance today.