Motorways
This Page is Currently Under Construction
MOTORWAY LESSONS
Quite a number of learners will only drive on local roads and in familiar areas one they've passed their Test. It could be some years before they need to need to use any motorway routes and might be very apprehensive about coping with speed on motorways, other motorway traffic e.g. JUGGERNAUTS (!!), and navigating an accurate motorway route.
Where shall we go?
Depending on where you live there is quite a selection of motorway routes available and a motorway lesson should be for a minimum of 2 hours, possibly 3 hours. Or, having had one excursion of 2 hours, why not try another 2 hours and take a completely different route.
If possible, before your motorway lesson, I can supply a handout or even lend you a book so that you can prepare for what you will encounter.
What will be included?
The aspects that might prove most interesting (?) for a motorway lesson will include:
1 Entering & leaving via sliproads
2 Keeping a safe distance
3 Motorway lanes - which should you use and how do you change lane when necessary?
4 Use of mirrors - especially before changing lane or overtaking
5 Awareness, planning and anticipation
6 Understanding signs and road markings
7 Coping with 30mph (and other) speed limits after leaving motorway
8 Breakdowns and emergencies (hopefully only theoretical!)
Which route?
Most pupils will need to travel some distance to reach a motorway - perhaps as much as 15-20 minutes on major roads and dual carriageways.
The majority of the motorway routes I use will not be simply heading down the nearest motorway as far as time allows then coming back the opposite way, but will use a selection of other rural, country roads and villages before linking up with another section of motorway. Otherwise the monotony can be a problem, as can fatigue when undertaking a journey of 2-3 hours virtually non-stop and which may cover a distance in excess of 100 miles!
Some of my favoured motorway routes are as follows:-
Route 1
A3 from Tolworth area to M25 (J10) - follow route to M3 (J12) - continue south on M3 to Basingstoke (J6) - follow route via A339 signposted to Reading (short route via A33) or to Newbury (longer route - still A339). Use various 'interesting' narrower country lanes en route to M4 - depending on time might go into Reading (J12) and out again (additional 20 minutes) or simply return on M4 linking again with M25 (J15) before completing journey.
Route 2
A3 to M25 but remain on M25 as far as M4 (J14) - head West towards Reading then find route via A4 and other roads towards Henley & Marlow (A4155). Link with M40 (J4) and return via M25 (J16) back home.
Route 3
A3 to M25 but head East to J5, follow various country routes but rejoin M26 (J2a) which rejoins M25. Continue to M23 (J7), head south towards Gatwick (J9a), return on A217 to Reigate and then rejoin M25 (J8) for remainder of route.
Within these motorway routes there are numerous variations and should provide a good introduction to (hopefully) typical motorway traffic and many opportunities to make proper use of the motorway lanes.