Motorway Driving Tips for New Drivers

There is no feeling in the world quite like passing your driving test. Driving gives you an incredible sense of freedom and independence, but it can also be daunting as a new driver. In particular, many new drivers are anxious about motorway driving. Around the festive period, people will often have to drive on the motorways to visit family and friends. So, what are some tips for new drivers to make the experience easier and less daunting?

Check the Car’s Condition

First, you should make sure your vehicle is in top condition. Motorway driving involves high speeds, and you won’t want to end up stranded on the side of the road! Here are a few key checks:

• Fuel
• Engine oil
• Coolant
• Lights
• Brakes
• Tyre pressure
• Tread depth

Familiarise Yourself With Motorway Signage

You see a lot of signs on motorways that you do not get on regular roads, which can be unnerving. Therefore, you should brush up on these signs before getting behind the wheel - this will increase safety and give you confidence. You want to keep an eye out for signs indicating an accident ahead, fog, and road workers on the carriageway. You should also stay informed on temporary lane closures and speed limits so that you are well-prepared. 

Plan Ahead

Anxiety from driving (and other areas of life) comes from a fear of the unknown. Therefore, you should plan ahead to reduce nerves. You should familiarise yourself with the route, schedule pitstops, and use real-time apps to check for weather and traffic updates. If you feel you need more practice before making your first long journey, you could always take out learner driver insurance to build your skills and confidence. 

Other Tips

Other tips for motorway driving include utilising the 2-second rule, which states that there should be at least 2 seconds between you and the car in front. It is also important to signal early when changing lanes and be mindful of your blind spots. Motorway driving can actually be straightforward and even easier than other areas when you build your confidence, which will only ever come from experience, so you should try to practice as often as possible.

It is understandable to be anxious and stressed when it comes to motorway driving as a new driver - even many experienced motorists avoid it where possible Hopefully, the above advice will help you to feel more confident on the motorways and allow you to have an easy journey.