Can anyone give me some really useful tips on Motorway driving?

Question

Myself, 2 children under age of 5, & my mum are going on holiday in september. I've only had full lisence for 3 yrs, & never used a motorway b 4. I need to get from j21 of M5 to j31 of M5. Not far I know! but really bricking it! I'm quite a confident driver, & feel positive in doing it, but do get forgetful sometimes on using wing mirrors aswell as interior mirror, as I tend to use the interior more. I would b very very grateful on useful tips for 1st time using it. As deep down I know that I can do it!

Answer 1

Tip 1. Always indicate before changing lanes
Tip 2. Use your wing-mirrors. This is VITAL
Tip 3. Remember your blind spot, so have a little look over your shoulder before changing lanes.
Tip 4. If there's more than 100 yards between you and the vehicle in the lane to your left, indicate, check your mirrors, and move over to the left.
Tip 5. If you're indicating to change lanes to the right, and the vehicle in the lane you want to move into flashes their lights at you, they're probably letting you in. Check this is so, move over, and wave thanks to them or briefly flash your indicators the opposite way. It's only polite.
Tip 6. If you're in a lane and someone is indicating to move over into your lane, then if it's approriate to do so, hold back to let them in and flash them to let them know. They'll probably wave thanks back.
Tip 7. If a lorry overtakes you, then flash your lights once they're a few yards ahead of you. It's hard for lorry drivers to assess when the end of their vehicle has cleared the front of yours, and flashing them lets them know. They'll prbably flash their indicators at you once they've moved back.
Tip 8. It's not a race. You don't have to belt along at 85mph if you don't want to.
Tip 9. Leave at least 30 yards between you and the car in front. Stopping distances at high speeds are very long.
Tip 10. It's not that difficult. If you've ever driven on a dual carriageway then you won't find it much different.
Tip 11. You're right. You CAN do it.

Good luck.

Answer 2

First and foremost plan your journey, look at a map of your route, be it on line or in a book, just keep calm, getting in the habit of using your wing mirrors does in fact make driving a bit easier. Keep to the near side lane, keep to 70 mile an hour and most traffic will just overtake you if they feel that you are going to slow, just be prepared to overtake lorries, caravans etc, that will be travelling slower than you, again check your wing mirrors then double check them, indicate then pull out. Remember if you get stressed or indeed your passengers get stressed then just pull off the motorway at the next junction or services and have a break. Good luck and safe driving, its not as scary as you think.. I have also given you a link for you to read

Answer 3

3 years and you havent been on the motorway??

It took me 3 hours of getting my 1st car to give it a try.

Good tips though, go on your own at first at 2am on a sunday night when its deserted just so u can get the hand of things.

Don't even bother with the 3rd/4th lane to begin with because everyone thinks they are michael schumacher there - stick in the 1st lane and move over to pass trucks then go straight back in again when its clear.

Minimum speed is 50mph so you can go 50 if you like and don't worry about other drivers they will pass you if they need to.

ALWAYS check your mirrors before changing lanes and indicate in good time, also ALWAYS check over your shoulder just before you move over as your blind spot will be much more dangerous than on normal roads. Keep an eye on your mirrors all the time too so you know the location of others around you.

If going from 1st to 2nd lane also watch out for people coming from the 3rd to the 2nd.

Be ready to move over to lane 2 at sliproad entrances too where people are getting on the motorway to give them room or be prepared to slow down a little.

Finally, it can get pretty nasty at busy times when theres hardly any room to change lanes so match your speed to the other lane then find your space and move across slowly and you should be ok.

Answer 4

Call a local driving instructor and ask him for motorway tuition. If no motorway is near bye then a 70 limit dual carriageway will do. A couple of hours will cost less than £50 and could be the difference between you and your children living a long fruitful life or having it cut dreadfully short. What ever you do, do not turn round to the children at that speed (or any speed for that matter). Let your mom sort their problems. I have young kids of my own and I know what a distraction they can be.

Answer 5

Weston to Exeter? - Its not that bad and is by no means the busiest stretch.

It might be an idea to have a go on the motorway, maybe just between two junctions before you do it for real.

Alternatively there is the A38 that runs parallel to the motorway (changing to the B3181 around Willand)

Answer 6

That's a bit worrying.
It's people like you who tend to cause accidents on motorways because you're 'bricking it'.
You need to go out alone one day and just do it - don't take your kids the first time you do it. And if you don't use your wing mirrors, you're mincemeat.
You give women drivers a bad name!

Answer 7

Motorways are nothing to be afraid of.
Keep in the left hand lane as much as possible. The other lanes you only need to use if you are overtaking. That's really the only advice you need. Don't be intimidated by the volume or speed of traffic. Just drive your way and you'll be fine. Just needs practice!

Answer 8

top tip, go to a driving school and pay for 2 motorway lessons, worked for me.

Answer 9

Go to www.theaa.co.uk and get a route planner.... make sure the kids have plenty to do or they'll drive you nuts!

Also, please stay to the inside lane unless you are overtaking..... no one likes a middle lane driver.....

Answer 10

dont,dont,dont,do it
like your avatar, clever girl

dont take any notice of bronMOOOOOse, she is a nasty little moooose