Joining a Motorway
The Process
You can join a motorway:
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Where a main road becomes a motorway (marked by special signs), or
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From a slip road.
When joining:
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Match your speed to the flow of traffic.
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Use the Mirrors – Signal – Manoeuvre / Position – Speed – Look (MSM/PSL) routine.
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Merge into a suitable gap safely and smoothly.
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Avoid stopping at the end of the slip road unless traffic is slow or stationary.
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Some slip roads lead into a dedicated lane — check the signs and markings.
Do's and Don'ts
Do:
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Signal clearly and in good time.
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Make sure other drivers can see you.
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Adjust your speed to blend with motorway traffic.
Do Not:
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Force your way into traffic.
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Drive along the hard shoulder.
Once on the motorway, stay in the left-hand lane until you’ve adjusted to the traffic speed.
If the lane merges from the right, take extra care when joining or when traffic joins from that side.