Driving on motorways is a daunting task for many drivers as they’re some of our fastest and busiest roads. Travelling at these high speeds can be nerve-wracking – especially if you’re in a smaller car and find yourself surrounded by heavy goods vehicles. So how can we remove the fear and unknown for both new and experienced drivers to feel more comfortable with the idea of motorways?
From 4 June 2018 learner drivers have been allowed on motorways with an approved driving instructor. Before then it was only possible to have motorway lessons after you’d passed your driving test. So now learners and experienced drivers can get experience of motorways with their driving instructor.
Interestingly the casualty statistics tell us motorways are our safest roads, but they can feel anything but safe to a newly-qualified or nervous driver. Many are so intimidated by the motorway environment they choose instead not to use them and use other roads that are statistically more dangerous.
Motorway driving is typically very safe. The lanes are wide and fairly straight and there aren’t any pedestrians to worry about. You still need to have your wits about you though and should check your mirrors regularly for other drivers approaching from the side or rear.
So, when you take a motorway lesson with Starfish these are the four key areas that we will be covering: –
Ensure the lesson is relevant
Your instructor will make the lesson relevant to your needs talking with you about route planning and journey preparation possibly covering your most likely first motorway drive. For example the drive to university or a day out with friends to an amusement park or festival. This will help you plan for factors that may influence your journeys such as time of day or passengers.
Awareness of self and the surroundings.
A motorway driving lesson is a chance to discuss how you may drive differently depending on the weather or visibility. The topic of tiredness and recognising when your concentration is not 100% and how to then remain safe is also an important one to have, including how to plan for regular breaks and what to do if you begin to feel tired.
Developing correct procedures
It’s likely that even with previous dual carriageway experience until you drive on a motorway you may not have had the option of a lane 3 or even a lane 4! Your instructor will be guiding you in the best way to utilise the extra lanes so you can make safe progress when interacting with other motorway users, particularly when two motorways merge or separate.
Breaking down
It’s an opportunity to discuss what to do in an emergency or a break down on a motorway, as this can sometimes be a scary thing to experience, particularly if you are unsure what to do.
Cost of tuition
The cost of an hours Motorway lesson is £40-00. We recommend that a minimum of two hours is needed to cover the basics.