Practical lessons

Use the length of the acceleration lane to match the speed of traffic and find a safe gap before joining.

Learn to join safely, maintain lane discipline, keep a safe following distance and plan ahead at motorway speeds.

Understand the difference between a motor-traffic road and a motorway, and how junctions, exits and oncoming traffic affect driving.

Plan your exit early, signal and usually reduce speed after entering the deceleration lane.

Adapt your following distance to speed, road conditions and visibility so that you can react and brake in a controlled way.

Assess visibility, oncoming traffic, speed and the space to return to your lane before starting to overtake.

Recognise a priority road, understand its junctions and remain prepared for other road users’ mistakes.

Prepare for the pressure and suction of air when meeting or overtaking heavy vehicles, especially at high speeds.

Reduce speed before the bend, choose a steady position and accelerate smoothly only when visibility and the road allow it.