Motorways must not be used by pedestrians, holders of provisional car or motorcycle driving licences unless exempt, riders of motorcycles under 50cc, cyclists and horse riders.  Certain slow-moving vehicles and those carrying oversized loads (except by special permission), agricultural vehicles and most invalid carriages are also prohibited.

Traffic on motorways usually travels faster than on other roads, so you have less time to react.  It is especially important to use your mirrors earlier and look much further ahead than you would on other roads.

Motorway signals are used to warn you of a danger ahead.  For example, there may be an accident, fog, or a spillage, which you may not immediately be able to see.

Signals situated on the central reservation apply to all lanes.  On very busy stretches, signals may be overhead with a separate signal for each lane.

Amber flashing lights 

These warn of a hazard ahead.  The signal may show a temporary maximum speed limit, lanes that are closed or a message such as “Fog”.  Adjust your speed and look out for the danger until you pass a signal which is not flashing or one that gives the ‘All clear’ sign and you are sure it is safe to increase your speed.

Red flashing lights.
 
If red lights on the overhead signals flash above your lane (there may also be a red ‘X’) you must not go beyond the signal in that lane.  If red lights flash on a signal in the central reservation or at the side of the road, you must not go beyond the signal in any lane.

Driving on the Motorway

When you join the motorway you will normally approach it from a road on the left (a slip road) or from an adjoining motorway.  You should

·        give priority to traffic already on the motorway

·        check the traffic on the motorway and adjust your speed to fit safely into the traffic flow in the left-hand lane

·        not cross solid white lines that separate lanes

·        stay on the slip road if it continues as an extra lane on the motorway

·        remain in the left-hand lane long enough to adjust to the speed of traffic before considering overtaking

On the Motorway

When you can see well ahead and the road conditions are good, you should :

·        drive at a steady speed which you and your vehicle can handle safely and is within the speed limit

·        keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front and increase the gap on wet or icy roads, or in fog

You must not exceed 70 mph, or the maximum speed limit permitted for your vehicle.  If a lower speed limit is in force, either permanently or temporarily, at roadworks for example, you must not exceed the lower limit.  On some motorways, mandatory motorway signals (which display the speed within a red ring) are used to vary the maximum speed limit to improve traffic flow.  You must not exceed this speed limit.

The monotony of driving on a motorway can make you feel sleepy.  To minimise the risk, make sure you are fit to drive. Plan your journey to take breaks and stop, when it is safe to do so, if you feel sleepy.

You must not reverse, cross the central reservation, or drive against the traffic flow.  If you have missed your exit, or have taken the wrong route, carry on to the next exit. 

Lane Discipline

You should drive in the left-hand lane if the road ahead is clear.  If you are overtaking a number of slower moving vehicles it may be safer to remain in the centre of outer lanes, until the manoeuvre is completed rather than continually changing lanes.  Return to the left-hand lane once you have overtaken all the vehicles or if you are delaying traffic behind you.  Slow moving or speed restricted vehicles should always remain in the left-hand lane of the carriageway unless overtaking.  You must not drive on the hard shoulder except in an emergency or if directed to do so by signs. 

The right-hand lane of a motorway with three or more lanes must not be used (except in prescribed circumstances) if you are driving :

• any vehicle drawing a trailer
• a goods vehicle with a maximum laden weight over 7.5 tonnes
• a passenger vehicle with a maximum laden weight exceeding 7.5 tonnes constructed or adapted to carry more than eight seated passengers in addition to the driver

Approaching a Junction

Look well ahead for signals or signs.  Direction signs may be placed over the road.  If you need to change lanes, do so in good time.  At some junctions a lane may lead directly off the motorway.  Only get in that lane if you wish to go in the direction indicated on the overhead signs.

Overtaking

Do not overtake unless you are sure it is safe to do so.  Overtake only on the right.  You should :

• check your mirrors
• take time to judge the speeds correctly
• make sure that the lane you will be joining is sufficiently clear ahead and behind
• take a quick sideways glance into the blind spot area to verify the position of a vehicle that may have disappeared from your view in the mirror
• remember that traffic may be coming up behind you very quickly.  Check your mirrors carefully.  When it is safe to do so, signal in plenty of time, then move out
• ensure you do not cut in on the vehicle you have overtaken
• be especially careful at night and in poor visibility when it is harder to judge speed and distance

You must not use the hard shoulder for overtaking.

Stopping

You must not stop on the carriageway, hard shoulder, slip road, central reservation or verge except in an emergency, or when told to do so by the police, an emergency sign or by flashing red light signals.

You must not pick up or set down anyone, or walk on a motorway, except in an emergency.

Leaving the Motorway

Unless signs indicate that a lane leads directly off the motorway, you will normally leave the motorway by a slip road on your left.  You should :

• watch for the signs letting you know you are getting near your exit
• move into the left-hand lane well before reaching your exit
• signal left in good time and reduce your speed on the slip road as necessary 

On leaving the motorway or using a link road between motorways, your speed may be higher than you realise – 50 mph may feel like 30 mph.  Check your speedometer and adjust your speed accordingly.  Some slip-roads and link roads have sharp bends, so you will need to slow down.