Why Take Motorway Driving Lessons?

 

Even for experienced drivers, motorway driving can pose a challenge. Merging into high-speed traffic, changing lanes, and keeping up with traffic flow can seem daunting, especially for new drivers. By taking motorway lessons with Progression Driving School, you’ll gain:

• Confidence navigating motorways and high-speed roads.

• Skills to safely join and exit motorways, including busy junctions like Junction 36 of the M6.

• Understanding of lane discipline, overtaking, and motorway signage.

• The ability to deal with heavy traffic and changing weather conditions.

 

Whether you’ve recently passed your driving test or just want a refresher, our lessons are tailored to your experience level.

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What to Expect During Motorway Lessons

 

1. Preparing for Motorway Driving

 

Before hitting the motorway, we'll brief you on key elements of motorway driving, including:

• Motorway Rules: Speed limits, lane discipline, and when to overtake.

• Signage and Signals: Learning to interpret motorway signs, such as those indicating speed limits, lane closures, or hazards.

• Vehicle Checks: Ensuring your car is prepared for high-speed driving, such as checking tyre pressure, fuel levels, and lights.

 

By reviewing these details, you’ll feel fully prepared before entering the motorway.

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2. Joining the Motorway and Using Junction 36

 

A critical part of motorway driving is merging onto the motorway safely. In Cumbria, Junction 36 of the M6 is one of the key entry points to the motorway network, linking drivers to Kendal and the Lake District. You’ll practice:

• Using Slip Roads: Learning how to accelerate and match your speed to the traffic flow, and then merging seamlessly.

• Checking Blind Spots: Ensuring the road is clear before merging, by checking mirrors and blind spots.

• Navigating Junctions Like Junction 36: You’ll practice entering and exiting via Junction 36, which connects to major routes like the A590 and A65. This junction can be busy, particularly during peak hours, making it an ideal learning environment to refine your skills.

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We'll guide you through this process, ensuring you feel confident handling the complexities of such junctions.

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3. Maintaining Lane Discipline and Overtaking

 

Once on the motorway, lane discipline is key. You’ll learn:

• Staying in the Left Lane: The left lane is for general driving, while the middle and right lanes are for overtaking. You’ll practice moving into the correct lane and returning to the left after overtaking.

• Judging Speed and Distance: Maintaining a safe distance from the car in front is crucial on motorways. You’ll learn to adjust your speed and keep an appropriate distance, even in high-speed traffic.

• Overtaking Safely: Overtaking is a common motorway skill, but it must be done safely. Your lessons will focus on when and how to overtake, using mirrors, indicators, and ensuring there’s enough space to return to the left lane.

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4. Dealing with Traffic and Changing Conditions

 

Motorway driving isn’t always smooth sailing. Traffic jams, speed changes, and adverse weather can complicate your journey. During your lesson, you’ll practice:

• Handling Heavy Traffic: How to maintain safe braking distances and stay calm during stop-start conditions, common around busy junctions like Junction 36.

• Adjusting to Variable Speed Limits: Motorways often feature changing speed limits or lane closures. You’ll learn how to spot and respond to these signs promptly.

• Driving in Adverse Weather: High winds, rain, or fog are common in Cumbria, and we’ll teach you techniques to stay safe, such as slowing down, using fog lights, and increasing following distance.​

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5. Exiting the Motorway

 

A smooth exit is just as important as entering the motorway. We'll help you practice:

• Planning Ahead: Spotting your exit signs early and moving into the correct lane in advance.

• Using Junctions Like Junction 36: You’ll practice exiting at busy points like Junction 36, where traffic merges from multiple routes. Your instructor will help you gauge speed and space as you navigate slip roads and rejoin slower roads.

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Exiting safely ensures you leave the motorway with confidence, ready for the next stage of your journey.