DVSA Motorway Driving 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the purpose of the acceleration lane (slip road) when joining a motorway?
- To slow down and check for traffic
- To build up speed to match motorway traffic before merging safely into the left-hand lane (Correct answer)
- To overtake slower vehicles on the motorway
- To stop and wait for a gap
Correct answer: To build up speed to match motorway traffic before merging safely into the left-hand lane
The acceleration lane allows you to build up speed so you can merge smoothly with traffic already on the motorway. Use the full length of the slip road to match your speed to the traffic in lane 1, signal right, check your mirrors and blind spot, and merge when a safe gap appears.
Question 2: On a motorway, which lane should you normally drive in?
- The middle lane
- The right-hand lane
- The left-hand lane (lane 1) (Correct answer)
- Any lane you prefer
Correct answer: The left-hand lane (lane 1)
You should normally drive in the left-hand lane (lane 1) and use the other lanes only for overtaking. After overtaking, you should return to the left lane when it is safe. Staying in the middle lane unnecessarily ('middle-lane hogging') is an offence under careless driving laws.
Question 3: What is the national speed limit for cars on a motorway?
- 60 mph
- 70 mph (Correct answer)
- 80 mph
- There is no limit
Correct answer: 70 mph
The national speed limit for cars and motorcycles on motorways is 70 mph. Goods vehicles over 7.5 tonnes are limited to 60 mph. Some sections may have lower limits shown on signs, and variable speed limits may be displayed on overhead gantries.
Question 4: When should you use the hard shoulder on a motorway?
- When you want to make a phone call
- Only in a genuine emergency or breakdown (Correct answer)
- When overtaking slow traffic
- When you need to check your map
Correct answer: Only in a genuine emergency or breakdown
The hard shoulder is for emergencies only, such as a breakdown, a medical emergency, or if directed by the police. Pull over as far left as possible, switch on hazard warning lights, and exit the vehicle from the left side. Stand behind the barrier if one exists. Never use it for rest stops or phone calls.
Question 5: What does an amber flashing light on a motorway overhead gantry mean?
- The motorway is closed ahead
- Lane closed ahead — change lanes
- A temporary maximum speed limit or hazard warning — you must not exceed the displayed speed (Correct answer)
- Advisory information only — you may ignore it
Correct answer: A temporary maximum speed limit or hazard warning — you must not exceed the displayed speed
Amber flashing lights on motorway gantries indicate a hazard ahead. They may accompany a temporary speed limit, which is mandatory and enforced by cameras. They warn of congestion, an accident, roadworks, or other hazards ahead. Reduce speed and be prepared for changing conditions.
Question 6: How should you leave a motorway?
- Move to the left lane gradually and use the deceleration lane to reduce speed (Correct answer)
- Brake on the main carriageway then move left
- Signal left at the last moment and take the exit
- Move to the right lane for the best view of the exit
Correct answer: Move to the left lane gradually and use the deceleration lane to reduce speed
Plan ahead by moving into the left lane well before your exit. Signal left as you approach the exit slip road, then move onto the deceleration lane (slip road). Reduce your speed on the slip road, not on the main carriageway. Check your speedometer — after motorway speeds, you may be going faster than you think.
DVSA Motorway Driving 1
What is the purpose of the acceleration lane (slip road) when joining a motorway?