{"id":4135,"date":"2022-09-20T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-09-20T09:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/?p=4135"},"modified":"2026-05-25T13:52:19","modified_gmt":"2026-05-25T12:52:19","slug":"motorway-driving-tips-for-beginners","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/motorway-driving-tips-for-beginners\/","title":{"rendered":"9 Essential Motorway Driving Tips for Beginners"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is the thought of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/guidance\/how-to-drive-on-a-smart-motorway\">motorway driving<\/a> making you a bit nervous? We get it, stepping onto the motorway for the first time can feel like jumping into the deep end of a pool without a lifeguard in sight. Fast cars zipping by, people overtaking you from all directions, and a maze of lanes to navigate \u2013 it&#8217;s all a bit overwhelming, isn&#8217;t it? <\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Here&#8217;s a surprising fact, though: motorways are actually the safest roads to be on. <\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, high speeds and heavy traffic can be intimidating, but with a little prep and a few tips, you&#8217;ll find that motorway driving can be a smooth and stress-free experience, even for a beginner like you. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So let&#8217;s get into it, shall we?<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"7pt7ej\" data-start=\"3885\" data-end=\"3908\">Key Takeaways: Motorway Driving Tips<\/h2>\n<ul data-start=\"3910\" data-end=\"4396\">\n<li data-section-id=\"md0ni6\" data-start=\"4009\" data-end=\"4083\">Take someone with you and check your car.<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"md0ni6\" data-start=\"4009\" data-end=\"4083\">Maintaining safe distances and checking mirrors regularly are essential.<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1pihp16\" data-start=\"4084\" data-end=\"4169\">Joining and leaving motorways safely requires good observation and lane discipline.<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1sibnyc\" data-start=\"4170\" data-end=\"4256\">Smart motorways use variable speed limits and overhead signs to manage traffic flow.<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"cl85qc\" data-start=\"4257\" data-end=\"4329\">Staying calm and planning ahead can make long journeys less stressful.<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"xro1ri\" data-start=\"4330\" data-end=\"4396\">Understanding motorway rules improves safety for all road users.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Motorway Driving Tips<\/h2>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. Take Someone with You<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><img src=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/assets\/empty.png\" data-original=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.exchangemycar.co.uk%2Fblog%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F09%2Fbeginner-driver-girl-driving-car-with-instructor.jpg&w=777&h=485\" class=\"img-fluid img-inherit img-cover lazy\" alt=\"motorway driving\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you&#8217;re driving on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/best-motorway-co-uk-alternatives\/\">motorway<\/a> for the first time, it can be a big help to have a more experienced driver accompany you. This isn&#8217;t just about having moral support (although that&#8217;s great too!), it&#8217;s also about having someone there who can guide you through the experience, help you make quick decisions, and point out any mistakes you might be making. They can provide you with real-time advice and tips which you can implement immediately.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remember, it&#8217;s perfectly okay to take things at your own pace and there&#8217;s no rush &#8211; safety should be your top priority. So, for your first few times on the motorway, try to have an experienced driver by your side. It&#8217;ll make the whole experience less daunting and a whole lot safer.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. Check Your Car Before Driving on Motorway<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><img src=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/assets\/empty.png\" data-original=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.exchangemycar.co.uk%2Fblog%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F09%2Fgirl-checking-car.jpg&w=777&h=485\" class=\"img-fluid img-inherit img-cover lazy\" alt=\"car breakdown on motorway\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before you hit the motorway, it&#8217;s absolutely crucial to ensure your car is in good working condition. Any issues while you&#8217;re on the motorway can not only put you at risk, but also other drivers.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are some key things to check:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Headlights:<\/strong> Make sure both your headlights are working properly. They&#8217;re your main source of visibility when driving in the dark or during poor weather conditions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Indicators:<\/strong> Test your indicators to ensure they&#8217;re functioning correctly. They are vital for signalling your intentions to other drivers.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Tyres:<\/strong> Check your tyres for any signs of wear and tear, punctures, or low pressure. Good tyres provide better grip and can significantly reduce your stopping distance.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Mirrors:<\/strong> Adjust your mirrors to give you the best view possible of your surroundings. This is extremely important for safe driving on the motorway.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Brakes:<\/strong> Lastly, test your brakes. They need to be responsive and shouldn\u2019t make any unusual sounds. If you&#8217;re unsure, it&#8217;s best to get them checked by a professional.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remember, a quick check before you leave can save a lot of trouble on the road. Take a few minutes to ensure everything&#8217;s working as it should. It&#8217;s worth the effort for the peace of mind it brings.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Also Read:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/the-essential-car-service-guide\/\">The Essential Car Service Guide \u2013 What You Need to Know!<\/a><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. Lane Usage<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><img src=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/assets\/empty.png\" data-original=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.exchangemycar.co.uk%2Fblog%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F09%2Flane-usage-while-driving.jpg&w=777&h=485\" class=\"img-fluid img-inherit img-cover lazy\" alt=\"motorway lanes\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now let&#8217;s go over lane usage. We know it might seem basic, and you&#8217;re probably thinking, &#8220;I know this already!&#8221; but bear with us. It&#8217;s so crucial that we couldn&#8217;t leave it out. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Typically, a motorway in the UK has three lanes. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The left-hand lane is for normal driving. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The middle and right-hand <a href=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/where-should-you-avoid-overtaking\/\">lanes for overtaking<\/a> should be used.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&#8217;re not overtaking anyone, move back to the left-hand lane. This simple rule helps to reduce congestion, prevents &#8216;lane hogging&#8217;, and more importantly, keeps everyone safe. Also, remember to always use your indicators when changing lanes\u2014it&#8217;s a way of letting other drivers know your intentions.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. Adhere to the Two Second Rule<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><img src=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/assets\/empty.png\" data-original=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.exchangemycar.co.uk%2Fblog%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F09%2F2-Seconds-rule.jpg&w=777&h=485\" class=\"img-fluid img-inherit img-cover lazy\" alt=\"2 Seconds rule motorway\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The &#8216;two-second rule&#8217; is basically giving yourself a two-second gap between you and the car in front of you. This ensures that you have enough time to stop if the car in front suddenly brakes. During bad weather conditions, such as heavy rain or snow, it&#8217;s advisable to increase the distance to at least four seconds.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But how can you measure this while driving? <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Here&#8217;s a simple method:<\/strong> choose an object on the side of the road, such as a sign or tree. When the car in front passes it, start counting &#8220;one thousand one, one thousand two&#8221;. If you pass the chosen object before you finish saying the phrase, then you&#8217;re following too closely. Slow down and increase your distance.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5. Using Your Mirrors<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><img src=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/assets\/empty.png\" data-original=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.exchangemycar.co.uk%2Fblog%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F09%2Fcar-side-mirror.jpg&w=777&h=485\" class=\"img-fluid img-inherit img-cover lazy\" alt=\"car side mirror usage on motorway\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The importance of properly using your mirrors can&#8217;t be overstated. They&#8217;re your eyes on the back and sides of your car, helping you see what&#8217;s going on around you. It&#8217;s crucial to check your mirrors often and know what&#8217;s in your blind spots.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before setting off, adjust all of your mirrors so you can see as much of the area around your car as possible. Whilst driving, remember to glance in your mirrors every few seconds. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This lets you keep track of other vehicles, monitor their speeds and positions, and help you make safe decisions when changing lanes or slowing down. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remember, using your mirrors effectively is a key part of being a safe and responsible driver.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6. Drive During Daylight Hours<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><img src=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/assets\/empty.png\" data-original=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.exchangemycar.co.uk%2Fblog%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F09%2Fgirl-driving-car-day-time.jpg&w=777&h=485\" class=\"img-fluid img-inherit img-cover lazy\" alt=\"girl driving car day time\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&#8217;re <a href=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/top-tips-for-new-drivers\/\">new to driving<\/a>, especially on motorways, it&#8217;s advisable to stick to daytime driving. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/eyecare-for-drivers-should-you-get-night-driving-glasses\/\">Night driving<\/a> can be a bit tricky for a newbie. You see, at night, visibility is reduced, and things can look different from how they appear in the daylight.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Also, your eyes need time to adjust to the changing light levels, and the glare from oncoming traffic can be distracting. So, if you&#8217;re not yet confident behind the wheel, daytime is your best bet.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It gives you a chance to get used to the flow of traffic, the speed, and the rules while everything is clear and visible. Once you&#8217;re more confident, you can start practising night driving under supervision. Remember, being comfortable and at ease while driving is key to being safe on the road.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">7. Consider Taking a Pass Plus Course<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&#8217;ve recently passed your driving test, why not think about taking a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/is-pass-plus-worth-it\/\">Pass Plus course<\/a>? It&#8217;s a practical training scheme, and it&#8217;s designed to help drivers like you boost your abilities and keep safe on the roads. You can take it whenever you feel ready, but it&#8217;s particularly handy for new drivers, especially during the first year after passing their test. To enrol, you&#8217;ll need a Pass Plus registered approved driving instructor (ADI).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The course might cost you a bit, between <strong>\u00a3150 to \u00a3200<\/strong>, but think of it as an investment in your driving future. With Pass Plus under your belt, you&#8217;ll feel more confident, more skilled, and safer every time you get behind the wheel.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">8. Take Breaks<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Taking breaks while driving is not only wise, it&#8217;s essential. Long hours behind the wheel can be tiring, and without regular breaks, you run the risk of becoming fatigued, which can affect your concentration and reaction times. So, if you&#8217;re planning a long journey, make sure you include some rest breaks.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As a rule of thumb, try to stop at least every two hours, even if it&#8217;s just to get out, stretch your legs, drink some water, and get some fresh air. And remember, if you ever feel tired while driving, pull over at a safe spot and take a break.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">9. Using a SatNav<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><img src=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/assets\/empty.png\" data-original=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.exchangemycar.co.uk%2Fblog%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F09%2Fgoogle-nav-while-driving.jpg&w=777&h=485\" class=\"img-fluid img-inherit img-cover lazy\" alt=\"using satnav on motorway\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SatNav systems, like Google Maps or Apple Maps, can be your best friends when driving, particularly on unfamiliar routes. These systems provide you with turn-by-turn directions and real-time traffic updates, helping you reach your destination more efficiently. Remember, it&#8217;s essential to set your destination in your SatNav before you start driving.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Please note that it&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/using-mobile-phones-when-driving-the-law\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" rel=\"noopener\">illegal to hold and use a phone<\/a>, sat nav, tablet, or any device that can send or receive data while driving in the UK. However,\u00a0 you can use your device if it&#8217;s secured in a hands-free holder or mounted on the dashboard.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you need to re-route, pull over at a safe spot first. Also, make sure to keep your eyes on the road and not solely rely on the SatNav&#8217;s instructions. Trust your driving instincts and use the SatNav as a helpful tool, not a distraction.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Final Thoughts<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We truly hope you&#8217;ve found these tips helpful in your journey as a confident and proficient driver. Remember, becoming a skilled driver takes time and practice. If you&#8217;re ever unsure about the rules on the motorway or any other road, please don&#8217;t hesitate to refer back to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/the-new-highway-code-rules-2022\/\">New Highway Code<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stay safe, be mindful of other road users, and enjoy the ride!<\/span><\/p>\n<div style=\"all: initial !important;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"all: initial !important;\"><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Is the thought of motorway driving making you a bit nervous? We get it, stepping onto the motorway for the first time can feel like jumping into the deep end of a pool without a lifeguard in sight. Fast cars zipping by, people overtaking you from all directions, and a maze of lanes to navigate [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":4136,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_mi_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0},"categories":[181,1,149],"tags":[1048,1046,1047,1049,538],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4135"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4135"}],"version-history":[{"count":17,"href":"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4135\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12025,"href":"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4135\/revisions\/12025"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4136"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4135"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4135"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4135"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}