More than 50 percent of Brits want motorway driving added to the UK practical driving test. Changes to DVSA rules mean that learner drivers can now practice motorway driving as part of their lessons, but Brits want a motorway driving test to further improve road safety among new drivers.
A survey of UK residents indicates that 51 percent want motorway driving added to the practical driving test in the UK. Until 2018, it was illegal for learners to drive on motorways. However, along with a series of changes to the practical test – including Satnav led driving – novice drivers can now gain motorway experience as part of their lessons.
Up until 2018, only when learner drivers passed their theory test and practical driving test, would they be able to drive on motorways. For many new motorists, this was a daunting prospect, plus it represented a serious road safety issue for new and existing motorists, with many inexperienced drivers potentially causing serious or fatal accidents.
Motorway driving test
Now, Brits are calling for a motorway driving test to be added to the practical exam. While dual carriageway driving is part of the practical test, motorway driving has not yet been included. According to industry experts, in some cases this is due to geography, with many test centres located miles away from the nearest motorway or in some cases, in regions like Norfolk and the Scottish Highlands, there are no motorways.
When motorway driving was added as part of driving lessons, driving instructors quickly began offering motorway driving tips to learner drivers, online. Here’s a roundup of some of the top tips:
#1 – Watch your speed
The motorway is a whole new realm when it comes to speed, with vehicles whizzing by you faster than you’re used to when being overtaken by that impatient commuter. Be aware that the speed limit is in fact 70mph. While it may be tempting to hit the accelerator hard, don’t. Meanwhile, some sections of road will drop to 50mph – likely because of road works.
#2 – Don’t hesitate
Hesitation can kill on the motorway, whether you’re joining or changing lanes. If you’ve started a manoeuvre, other road users are expecting you to go, so commit to it and complete it.
#3 – Keep calm
The key to motorway driving is to keep calm. Hey… remember that you will have an instructor with you to help if you’re unsure of something. Just think of a motorway as a bigger, slightly faster dual carriageway – hopefully which, you’ve driven on – and you will be fine.
#4 – Plan ahead
Much of motorway driving is planning ahead. To join a carriageway or change lanes, sometimes you will need to ease off the accelerator to create gaps to move into. If you spot a slow moving vehicle early, you can prepare to change lanes that little bit earlier. Always be aware of what’s happening around you.
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Tags: Better Driving Guide
