Road types (skills 21 to 23)

Contents

• Introduction
• Country roads
• Dual carriageways
• Motorways

Introduction

Driving on different types of road is one of the most exciting parts of learning to drive. Each road type brings new challenges, and it is completely normal to feel less confident on some roads than others.

With practice and guidance from your instructor, you will build the skills and confidence to handle them all safely.

21. Country roads

Country roads can be some of the most rewarding roads to drive on, but they also require careful attention and good judgement. Taking time to develop these skills will help keep you and others safe.

Country roads range from busy trunk roads to narrow single-track lanes. Unless signs show otherwise, the national speed limit applies. Remember, this is the maximum speed permitted, not necessarily the safe speed for the conditions.

You should be able to deal with:

• poor visibility caused by bends, hedgerows, and steep roadsides
• gradients and camber
• junctions and entrances
• vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and horse riders
• slow-moving agricultural machinery
• darkness and varied weather conditions

You need to know:

• the mirrors – signal – manoeuvre (MSM) and position – speed – look (PSL) routines
• what different road signs mean
• the importance of forward planning
• how to scan ahead to anticipate hazards that may be just out of sight
• how to use passing places

22. Dual carriageways

Dual carriageways can feel daunting at first because of the higher speeds involved. Most learners find their confidence grows quickly with practice.

Some dual carriageways share the same speed limit as motorways. Unlike motorways, they can have junctions, roundabouts, and right turns. Traffic can join, leave, cross, and turn right from the carriageway.

You should to be able to:

• drive safely on urban and rural dual carriageways and clearways
• join a dual carriageway safely
• choose the correct lane
• turn right off a dual carriageway

You must know:

• the MSM and PSL routines
• the various speed limits that may apply
• how to respond to advance warning and information signs
• how to use cruise control or adaptive cruise control safely at higher speeds (where the car is fitted with them), and understand that they do not replace active observation and speed management
• what to do if the car breaks down, including using hazard warning lights and warning triangles
• how weather can affect driving at higher speeds

23. Motorways

Motorway driving is not part of the driving test, but it is one of the most important skills you can develop before driving independently.

Your instructor will tell you when you are ready for motorway lessons. This will be near the end of your training.

Getting experience on motorways while you still have an instructor beside you is a real advantage, as it gives you the chance to experience what driving will be like once you pass your test.

You should know how to:

• join and leave motorways using acceleration and deceleration lanes
• use your mirrors effectively at higher speeds
• look and plan further ahead than on single carriageways
• respond safely to other road users
• use the correct lane
• keep a safe separation distance
• respond to signals, road signs, and markings
• avoid fatigue and use service areas
• overtake safely
• deal with side winds and turbulence
• recognise and use smart motorways
• deal with contraflows and roadworks
• respond to accidents and breakdowns
• use the hard shoulder correctly
• use cruise control or adaptive cruise control safely at higher speeds (where the car is fitted with them), and understand that they do not replace active observation and speed management

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