any tips for driving on the motorway?

This is a question that really cannot be answered in writing. How ever, I will try.

1. when/before joining the MOTORWAY ensure you speed is already up to the speed of traffic in the left/1st lane. Also use the

'acceleration lane' to ensure you do not bulk a vehicle already using the left lane of the MOTORWAY as you join. (Glance over your right shoulder if you're not too sure of the space

2. Keep to the left lane until you are comfortable with the driving conditions. Remain in the left lane for 'normal' drive and use the 2nd lane to overtake slower vehicless E.g lorries or caravans etc. Don't drive for long distances in the 2nd or 3rd lanes if the left lane is empty The 3rd lane is only to be used to over take the first two lanes if you are driving faster than they are. (Caravans and lorries are NOT permitted to use the far right lane of a MOTORWAY).

3 When leaving the MOTORWAY remember your brain has been working at a higher speed and you will need to consciously make the effort to slow down (30 MPH will feel as if you are crawling along). Use your speedometer when leaving the MOTORWAY to a secondary road or surface area.

4. Make sure your tyres are at the correct pressure for speed (a couple of extra pounds of air in your tyres will help if you intend to have longer spells of high speed driving) Make sure your car is up to it (maintained).

5.Take a rest and cup of coffee at least every 2 hours - even if you don't feel tired.

6. remember to speed limit is 70 MPH in all lanes of the MOTORWAY unless other lower limits are in force locally.

7. Lastly keep a GOOD distance away from traffic in front of you and if another driver moves into your gap - drop back again. Use the 2 second rule (Mark a point in front of you, when the vehicle ahead passes that point - a tree - a flyover - a post etc) Count 2 seconds or say " Only a fool breaks the 2 second rule" to yourself. If you pass the same marker before 2 seconds you are too close and in the event of an accident YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO STOP IN TIME...(At least double the distance in the wet)

READ THE LATEST HIGHWAY CODE - it's all there.

Seriously, the biggest one. Don't change lanes without checking over your shoulder in your blind spot first. People often just sit there without putting their foot down to overtake, or they can't cos its heavy traffic. So - signal, mirror, shoulder, manoeuvre. Read the road ahead. It doesn't take much to work out someone is about to pull out in front of you. If they're coming up fast on a slow vehicle in front of them, or passing a slip road where vehicles are joining the motorway, then they're gonna be pulling out. Especially if they're driving a mercedes. Apart from cars driving too close in heavy traffic and heavy rain, the most dangerous part of a motorway is just before or just after a junction. Bear it in mind. Don't forget you're doing 70 [yeah, right! ;o) ] The relative slowness of other cars to your own speed can be deceptive. Things can happen very very very very quickly on a motorway, normally when people get suprised or shocked. If you suddenly realise you're gonna miss your junction then just chill. Just go on to the next one. In a tailback, the fastest lane is the slow lane with all the lorries. You can measure how you're getting on by picking a noticeable vehicle next to you. If after a few minutes he's ten cars ahead of you, then you're in the wrong lane. Heavy traffic tends to pulse - accelerating heavily and then braking heavily, for no other reason than the weight of traffic and people are driving too close (why they put variable speed limits on the M25 & M42). Just hang back. Really. If the car's overheating in that tailback, turn on the hot air blower to get the heat out of the engine. Just remember, you're better safe than dead, ...or worse. On the other hand if something freaks you then let it go. If you lose your cool you're a hundred times more likely to have a smack further down the road. A miss is as good as a mile. My personal favourite these days - listen to your instinct. You may suddenly realise you're not actually comfortable going as fast as you're going, for no reason whatsoever. Just lighten off the gas for a few minutes. You'll probably never know it just saved your life. This happened to me about a month ago. If I hadn't lightened on the gas I would 100% have been in a pile-up.

Upon joining the motorway it is your responsibility to join the main flow of traffic ...they do not have to slow down to let you in ...this is a well misconceived notion and has caused many accidents over the years ....So speed up to the flow ....indicate in and and pop into gap

Upon exiting you should only start to slow down upon leaving slip road and not on the motorway

In all cases indicate well in advance cos you are obviously not used to the speed ...be aware of all traffic around you and look well ahead as this will assist in you taking action in a timely manner ...trucks do not have the same braking distance that you have so beware and respect them

Finally try to keep a good steady speed and don't hog the middle lane at 50

Good luck

If you are not comfortable or experienced enough to drive on motorways, stay clear of them.

Hesitant drivers are often the cause of accidents on motorways

Many driving schools offer an advanced level training course where people can receive instructions on motorway driving - entering, leaving, overtaking etc.

Why not give that a try?

REMEMBER YOUR BLIND SPOT.

always look over your shoulder when changing lanes. if you're in the 1st lane and moving to the 2nd land, check no vehicle is moving from the 3rd land into the 2nd lane.

try to drive in the quieter hours to reduce stress and other idiots.

always submit in a situation, the other driver may not be insured or the vehicle may not be theirs. just think of the bother this will cause you.

keep calm and rest often.

i drive on motorways everyday for my job, just stay on the inside lane an concerntrate on whats in front of you, dont be preasured by them behind you but try to keep your speed up to about 60 cos anything below is annoying and can be dangerous, dont panic just keep calm

joining=get up to speed and slot in when safe. on it= think everyone else is an idiot and don,t 'hog' the middle lane, leaving= give plenty of warning mirror signal in left lane well before before turning off. when driving anywhere = anticipation and observation at front side and rear.

Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front.

foot to the floor and dont look around you . thats what most people do . seriously - get some lessons . not the place for the nervous !