Driving on Motorways
What is a Motorway?
Motorways are different from standard roads as their purpose is to help traffic travel faster while also doing so in greater safety.
Despite being one of the safest road types (in terms of how few incidents occur), due to the higher speeds and larger concentration of vehicles, incidents that do occur are more serious and have a higher chance of being fatal.
Before You Drive on a Motorway
You must:
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Hold a full driving licence, unless you’re a learner driver accompanied by an approved driving instructor (ADI) in a dual-controlled vehicle displaying L plates (or D plates in Wales).
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Be familiar with The Highway Code, especially the sections relating to motorways.
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Understand motorway warning signs and signals.
Concentration & Fatigue
Driving safely on motorways requires fitness, alertness, and focus.
Never use a motorway if you feel tired or unwell.
Because journeys can be long and repetitive, fatigue is a serious risk. Research shows that tiredness contributes to 15–20% of incidents on monotonous roads such as motorways. These incidents are often severe because drivers don’t brake before impact.
If you feel drowsy:
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Open a window for fresh air until you can stop safely.
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Plan regular rest stops, especially during long or night-time journeys.
You must not stop on the hard shoulder, an exit road, or a slip road, except in an emergency. If you need a break, use a service area. It may be some distance to the next one, so plan ahead.
Vehicles Allowed on Motorways
Only certain vehicles are permitted on motorways. You must not use a motorway if you are:
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Riding a motorcycle under 50cc
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Driving slow-moving or oversized vehicles, unless you have special permission
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Using a light invalid carriage (under 254 kg unladen weight)
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Driving an agricultural vehicle
Pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders, and motorcyclists with provisional licences are also not permitted on motorways.
Learner drivers may take lessons on motorways only with an ADI in a dual-controlled car displaying L plates.
Vehicle Safety Checks
The high speeds and long distances of a motorway increase the risk of mechanical failure occurring while driving. Before driving on a motorway, check that your vehicle is in safe working condition:
Essential Checks
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Tyres: Correct pressure and good condition (see your vehicle handbook).
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Brakes: Working effectively and evenly.
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Steering: No unusual stiffness or vibration.
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Mirrors: Clean and properly adjusted.
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Windscreen and Windows: Clean, with washer fluid topped up.
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Lights and Indicators: Fully functional.
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Instruments and Warning Lights: Working correctly.
Additional Checks
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Fuel: Ensure you have enough to reach your destination or the next service area.
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Oil and Water: Check levels, as high-speed driving uses both more quickly.
Secure Your Load
Ensure any load you’re carrying — on your vehicle or trailer — is secure and evenly distributed.
If something falls onto the motorway (from your vehicle or another), stop in a safe place such as the hard shoulder or an emergency area and call 999.
Never attempt to retrieve items yourself.