Motorways (253 to 274)
Rules for motorways, including rules for signals, joining the motorway, driving on the motorway, lane discipline, overtaking, stopping and leaving the motorway. A number of the rules for motorways also apply to other high-speed roads.
A number of the rules for motorways also apply to other high-speed roads. Many other Rules apply to motorway driving, either wholly or in part: Rules 46, 57, 83 to 126, 130 to 134 , 139, 144, 146 to 151, 160, 161, 219, 221 to 222, 225, 226 to 237, 274 to 278, 280 and 281 to 290.
General (rules 253 to 254)
Rule 253
Prohibited vehicles. Motorways MUST NOT be used by pedestrians, holders of provisional motorcycle licences, riders of motorcycles under 50 cc (4 kW), cyclists, horse riders, certain slow-moving vehicles and those carrying oversized loads (except by special permission), agricultural vehicles, and powered wheelchairs/powered mobility scooters (see Rules 36 to 46 inclusive).
Provisional car licence holders MUST NOT drive on the motorway unless they are accompanied by a DVSA Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) and are driving a car displaying red L plates (or D plates in Wales) with dual controls.
Rule 254
Traffic on motorways usually travels faster than on other roads, so you have less time to react. It is especially important to use your mirrors earlier and look much further ahead than you would on other roads.
Motorway signals (rules 255 to 258)
Rule 255
Signs and signals (see ‘Light signals controlling traffic’) are used to warn you of hazards ahead. For example, there may be an incident, fog, a spillage or road workers on the carriageway which you may not immediately be able to see.
Rule 256
A single sign or signal can display advice, restrictions and warnings for all lanes.
Lane specific signs and signals can display advice, restrictions and warnings that apply to individual lanes.
Rule 257
Amber flashing lights. These signals warn of a hazard ahead. You should
- reduce your speed
- be prepared for the hazard
- only increase your speed when you pass a signal that is not flashing, or a sign displaying a national speed limit or the word ‘END’, and you are sure it is safe to do so.
Rule 257: Signal warning of a hazard
Rule 258
Red flashing light signals and a red ‘X’ on a sign identify a closed lane in which people, stopped vehicles or other hazards are present. You
- MUST follow the instructions on signs in advance of a closed lane to move safely to an open lane
- MUST NOT drive in a closed lane. A sign will inform you when the lane is no longer closed by displaying a speed limit or the word ‘END’.
Rule 258: signals and signs indicating lane closures
Rule 258: signals and signs indicating lane closures
Be aware that
- there can be several hazards in a closed lane
- emergency services and traffic authorities use closed lanes to reach incidents and help people in need
- where the left lane is closed at an exit slip road, this means that the exit cannot be used.
Where red flashing light signals and closure of all lanes are shown on a sign, the road is closed. You
- MUST NOT go beyond the sign in any lane or use the hard shoulder to avoid the road closure unless directed to do so by a police or traffic officer.
Rule 258: signals and signs indicating lane closures
Lane and road closures indicated by red flashing lights are enforced by the police.
Joining the motorway (rule 259)
Rule 259
Joining the motorway. When you join the motorway you will normally approach it from a road on the left (a slip road) or from an adjoining motorway. You should
- give priority to traffic already on the motorway
- check the traffic on the motorway and match your speed to fit safely into the traffic flow in the left-hand lane
- not cross solid white lines that separate lanes or use the hard shoulder
- stay on the slip road if it continues as an extra lane on the motorway
- remain in the left-hand lane long enough to adjust to the speed of traffic before considering overtaking.
On the motorway (rules 260 to 263)
Rule 260
When you can see well ahead and the road conditions are good, you should
- drive at a steady cruising speed which you and your vehicle can handle safely and is within the speed limit (see Rule 124 and the Speed limits table)
- keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front and increase the gap on wet or icy roads, or in fog (see Rules 126 and 235).
Rule 261
You MUST NOT exceed
- a speed limit displayed within a red circle on a sign
- the maximum speed limit for the road and for your vehicle (see Rule 124).
Speed limits are enforced by the police (see Rule 124).
Rule 262
The monotony of driving on motorways and other high-speed roads can make you feel sleepy. To minimise the risk, follow the advice in Rule 91 about ensuring you are fit to drive and taking breaks.
Service areas are located along motorways to allow you to take breaks and to obtain refreshments. Refreshment and rest facilities on the local road network may also be accessible from motorway exits.
Rule 263
Unless directed to do so by a police or traffic officer, you MUST NOT
- reverse along any part of a motorway, including slip roads, hard shoulders and emergency areas
- cross the central reservation
- drive against the traffic flow.
If you have missed your exit, or have taken the wrong route, carry on to the next exit.
Lane discipline (rules 264 to 266)
Rule 264
Keep in the left lane unless overtaking.
- If you are overtaking, you should return to the left lane when it is safe to do so (see also Rules 267 and 268).
- Be aware of emergency services, traffic officers, recovery workers and other people or vehicles stopped on the hard shoulder or in an emergency area. If you are driving in the left lane, and it is safe to do so, you should move into the adjacent lane to create more space between your vehicle and the people and stopped vehicles.
Rule 265
The right-hand lane of a motorway with three or more lanes MUST NOT be used (except in prescribed circumstances) if you are driving
- any vehicle drawing a trailer
- a goods vehicle with a maximum laden weight exceeding 3.5 tonnes but not exceeding 7.5 tonnes, which is required to be fitted with a speed limiter
- a goods vehicle with a maximum laden weight exceeding 7.5 tonnes
- a passenger vehicle with a maximum laden weight exceeding 7.5 tonnes constructed or adapted to carry more than eight seated passengers in addition to the driver
- a passenger vehicle with a maximum laden weight not exceeding 7.5 tonnes which is constructed or adapted to carry more than eight seated passengers in addition to the driver, which is required to be fitted with a speed limiter.
Rule 266
Approaching a junction. Look well ahead for signals, signs and road markings. Direction signs may be placed over the road. If you need to, you should change lanes well ahead of a junction. At some junctions, a lane may lead directly off the road. Only get in that lane if you wish to go in the direction indicated by signs or road markings.
Overtaking (rules 267 to 268)
Rule 267
Do not overtake unless you are sure it is safe and legal to do so. Overtake only on the right. You should
- check your mirrors
- take time to judge the speeds correctly
- make sure that the lane you will be joining is sufficiently clear ahead and behind
- take a quick sideways glance into the blind spot area to verify the position of a vehicle that may have disappeared from your view in the mirror
- remember that traffic may be coming up behind you very quickly. Check all your mirrors carefully. Look out for motorcyclists. When it is safe to do so, signal in plenty of time, then move out
- ensure you do not cut in on the vehicle you have overtaken
- be especially careful at night and in poor visibility when it is harder to judge speed and distance.
Rule 268
Do not overtake on the left or move to a lane on your left to overtake. In congested conditions, where adjacent lanes of traffic are moving at similar speeds, traffic in left-hand lanes may sometimes be moving faster than traffic to the right. In these conditions you may keep up with the traffic in your lane even if this means passing traffic in the lane to your right. Do not weave in and out of lanes to overtake.
Hard shoulder (rule 269)
Rule 269
Hard shoulder (where present). You MUST NOT use a hard shoulder except in an emergency or if directed to do so by the police, traffic officers or a traffic sign.
Hard shoulder (where used as an extra lane). The hard shoulder is used as an extra lane on some motorways during periods of congestion. A red ‘X’ or blank sign above the hard shoulder means that you MUST NOT use the hard shoulder except in an emergency.
You can only use the hard shoulder as an extra lane when a speed limit is shown above the hard shoulder.
Where the hard shoulder is being used as an extra lane, emergency areas are provided for use in an emergency (see Rule 270).
Stopping (rules 270 to 271)
Rule 270
Emergency areas are located along motorways with no hard shoulder or where the hard shoulder can be used as an extra lane (see Rule 269) and MUST only be used in an emergency.
They are marked by blue signs with an orange SOS telephone symbol and may have orange surfacing.
Rule 270: emergency area
Rule 270: sign indicating distance to next emergency area
Follow the requirements and advice in
- Rule 277 if your vehicle develops a problem on the motorway
- Rule 278 to rejoin the carriageway from an emergency area.
Rule 271
You MUST NOT stop on any carriageway, emergency area, hard shoulder, slip road, central reservation or verge except in an emergency, or when told to do so by the police, traffic officers, an emergency sign or by red flashing light signals.
Do not stop on any part of a motorway to make or receive mobile telephone calls, except in an emergency.
Rule 272
You MUST NOT pick up or set down anyone, or walk on a motorway, except in an emergency.
Leaving the motorway (rules 273 to 274)
Rule 273
Unless signs indicate that a lane leads directly off the motorway, you will normally leave the motorway by a slip road on your left. You should
- watch for the signs letting you know you are getting near your exit
- move into the left-hand lane well before reaching your exit
- signal left in good time and reduce your speed on the slip road as necessary.
Rule 274
On leaving the motorway or using a link road between motorways, your speed may be higher than you realise - 50 mph may feel like 30 mph. Check your speedometer and adjust your speed accordingly. Some slip-roads and link roads have sharp bends, so you will need to slow down.
Motorway Rules: What You Need to Know for the Theory Test
The key motorway topics include joining safely, lane discipline, motorway signals, overtaking, hard shoulders, stopping and leaving the motorway.
Know who can use a motorway
Certain road users and vehicles are prohibited from using motorways. Motorway traffic also travels faster, so drivers need to look further ahead and use their mirrors earlier.
Think further ahead
At motorway speeds, hazards develop quickly. Scan well ahead, check mirrors regularly and leave enough space to react safely.
Who must not use a motorway?
Questions can test prohibited road users and the special conditions under which a provisional car driver may use a motorway.
Understand motorway signals
Motorway signs and signals can warn of hazards, restrictions or lane closures. Some apply to every lane while others apply only to a particular lane.
Treat a red X as a closed lane
A red X means the lane is closed. Move safely to an open lane as instructed and do not continue in the closed lane.
Amber flashing vs red X
Amber flashing lights warn of a hazard and require extra care. A red X identifies a closed lane that you must not use.
Give priority when joining
Traffic already on the motorway has priority. Join by matching your speed to the traffic flow and entering the left-hand lane safely.
Use the slip road to build speed
Use the available joining distance to assess traffic and adjust your speed. Do not force your way into the motorway or use the hard shoulder to join.
Who has priority when joining?
Remember the basic principle: traffic already on the motorway has priority. The joining driver must find a safe gap and fit into the traffic flow.
Keep a safe, steady drive
Stay within the applicable speed limit, maintain a safe following distance and increase the gap when conditions reduce grip or visibility.
Never correct a missed exit
If you miss your exit or take the wrong route, continue to the next exit. Never reverse, cross the central reservation or drive against the traffic flow.
What if you miss your exit?
The correct answer is to continue to the next exit. Do not reverse or attempt to turn around on the motorway.
Keep left unless overtaking
Use the left lane for normal driving and return to it when it is safe after overtaking. Plan lane changes early when approaching junctions.
Do not stay in an overtaking lane
Once your overtaking manoeuvre is complete, return to the left when safe. Watch for emergency workers and stopped vehicles when travelling in the left lane.
Which lane should you normally use?
The key rule is simple: keep left unless overtaking. Do not remain unnecessarily in a middle or right-hand lane.
Overtake safely and legally
Overtake on the right after checking mirrors, blind spots, speed and available space. Signal before moving and avoid cutting in too closely.
Do not weave through traffic
In congestion, one lane may move faster than another. Keep your lane and follow the traffic flow rather than repeatedly changing lanes to gain position.
Passing traffic on your left
Normally, do not overtake on the left. In slow-moving congested traffic, your lane may move faster than traffic to the right without this being treated as deliberate overtaking.
Know when the hard shoulder can be used
The hard shoulder is normally for emergencies. On some motorways it can operate as an extra lane, but only when the signs show that it is available for traffic.
Read the sign above the hard shoulder
A red X or a blank signal means do not use the hard shoulder as a normal lane. Use it as an extra lane only when the motorway signals explicitly permit this.
Hard shoulder or emergency area?
Both are associated with emergencies, but an emergency area is specifically provided on motorways where a conventional hard shoulder may not be available or may be used as a running lane.
Do not stop or walk on the motorway
Stopping, picking up or setting down passengers, and walking on a motorway are prohibited except in an emergency or where you are directed to stop.
Use emergency areas only for emergencies
An emergency area is not a normal stopping place. If you need to stop because of a problem, follow the motorway breakdown procedure and use a place of relative safety where possible.
Can you stop for a phone call?
No. You must not stop on the motorway to make or receive a mobile telephone call unless it is an emergency.
Prepare for your exit early
Watch for advance signs, move into the left-hand lane in good time and signal before taking the exit. Reduce speed as necessary once on the slip road.
Do not underestimate your speed
After leaving a motorway, your speed can feel lower than it really is. Check the speedometer and slow appropriately for bends and the road ahead.
What should you do after leaving?
A common test point is that motorway driving can make your actual speed feel lower. Check the speedometer and adjust for the slip road.
Remember Before the Theory Test
Don't Mix These Up on the Theory Test
Motorway questions often test the difference between similar signals, lanes and driving situations.
Motorway Rules: Theory Test FAQ
Who has priority when joining a motorway?
Traffic already travelling on the motorway has priority. The joining driver should match the speed of the traffic and find a safe gap in the left-hand lane.
What does a red X mean on a motorway?
A red X means the lane is closed. You must not drive in that lane and should follow the instructions given in advance to move safely into an open lane.
What do amber flashing lights mean on a motorway?
They warn of a hazard ahead. Reduce your speed, prepare for the hazard and only increase speed again when the warning has ended and it is safe to do so.
Which lane should you normally use on a motorway?
Keep in the left lane unless you are overtaking. After overtaking, return to the left lane when it is safe to do so.
Can you overtake on the left on a motorway?
Normally, no. Overtaking should be on the right. In slow-moving congestion, however, traffic in one lane may move faster than traffic in the lane to its right without this being deliberate overtaking.
Can you use the hard shoulder as a normal lane?
No. The hard shoulder is normally for emergencies. On some motorways it can be opened as an extra lane, but only when the motorway signs show that it may be used.
What should you do if you miss your motorway exit?
Continue to the next exit. You must not reverse, cross the central reservation or drive against the traffic flow to reach the missed exit.
Can you stop on a motorway to make a phone call?
No. You must not stop on the motorway to make or receive a mobile telephone call unless it is an emergency.
What is an emergency area on a motorway?
An emergency area is a designated place for use in an emergency. It is particularly important on motorways where there is no conventional hard shoulder or where the hard shoulder can be used as an extra lane.
Why should you check your speed after leaving a motorway?
After prolonged motorway driving, your speed can feel lower than it really is. Check the speedometer and adjust your speed for the slip road, bends and surrounding road conditions.
What should you do if your motorway exit is approaching?
Watch for advance signs, move into the left-hand lane in good time, signal left and reduce your speed as necessary once you enter the slip road.