Motorway Driving Lesson for Newly Qualified Drivers:

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From the Isle of Wight to the Mainland

This guide outlines a comprehensive motorway driving lesson, tailored for a newly qualified driver. The lesson includes the unique experience of taking a car ferry from the Isle of Wight to Portsmouth, providing a calm and controlled environment to begin the session, before progressing onto the faster-paced mainland motorways.

Part 1: The Ferry Crossing - A Unique Start to Your Lesson

Your lesson will begin on the Isle of Wight, with the first objective being to navigate to the ferry terminal at either Fishbourne or East Cowes.

At the Ferry Terminal

• Booking and Arrival: Your instructor will have likely pre-booked the ferry. You'll be talked through the process of arriving at the correct time and joining the designated lane for boarding.

• Following Instructions: You will need to follow the hand signals and instructions of the ferry staff who will guide you onto the vessel. This is a great exercise in clutch control and precise, slow-speed maneuvering.

• Parking on the Ferry: You will be directed to a parking space on the car deck. You will need to park close to other vehicles, turn off your engine, and apply the handbrake securely. Once parked, you can leave the vehicle and head up to the passenger lounges.

During the Crossing

The ferry journey, which typically takes between 45 minutes and an hour, is a fantastic opportunity to have a relaxed, pre-drive briefing with your instructor. This will cover:

• The plan for the day: A rundown of the motorways you'll be driving on (the M27 and likely a section of the M3), and the skills you'll be focusing on.

• Theory refresher: A quick chat about motorway-specific rules, including speed limits, lane discipline, and the meaning of different signs and gantry signals.

• Q&A session: A chance for you to ask any initial questions and calm any nerves before you even start the engine on the mainland.

Part 2: The Motorway Driving Lesson - From Portsmouth Onwards

Upon arrival in Portsmouth, you will return to the car, and under the guidance of the ferry staff, you will disembark. From the port, you will follow the signs to join the M275, which will then lead you to the M27.

Key Skills and Focus Areas

Your instructor will guide you through the following key aspects of motorway driving:

• Joining the Motorway:

  • Using the slip road: Safely building up speed to match the flow of traffic on the motorway.

  • Mirror checks and blind spot awareness: Constantly assessing the traffic to find a safe gap.

  • Merging: Joining the motorway smoothly and confidently without causing other drivers to slow down or swerve.

• Lane Discipline:

  • The "keep left" rule: Understanding that the left-hand lane is for normal driving, and the other lanes are for overtaking.

  • Avoiding "middle-lane hogging": A common mistake for new motorway drivers. Your instructor will ensure you return to the left-hand lane as soon as it is safe to do so after overtaking.

• Overtaking:

  • Safe Overtaking (MSM/PSL routine): Applying the "Mirror, Signal, Manoeuvre" and "Position, Speed, Look" routines to overtaking.

  • Judging speeds and distances: Safely judging the speed of the vehicle you are overtaking, as well as the speed of any vehicles approaching from behind.

  • Overtaking multiple vehicles: Learning how to safely pass a stream of slower-moving vehicles.

• Maintaining Safe Following Distances:

  • The "two-second rule": Learning to apply this rule in dry conditions, and extending it to four seconds in the wet.

  • Reading the road ahead: Looking well beyond the car in front to anticipate any potential hazards.

• Understanding Motorway Signs and Markings:

  • Gantry signs: Understanding both advisory and mandatory speed limits shown on overhead gantries.

  • Countdown markers: Knowing how these indicate the distance to the next exit.

  • Smart motorways: If you encounter a smart motorway section, your instructor will explain the variable speed limits and the use of the hard shoulder as a live lane.

• Exiting the Motorway:

  • Planning your exit: Getting into the correct lane in good time.

  • Signaling: Indicating your intention to exit.

  • Adjusting your speed: Safely decelerating on the slip road and adjusting to the new speed limit of the road you are joining.

• Dealing with Different Junctions: The M27 has a variety of junctions, from simple exits to more complex interchanges with other major roads. Your instructor will guide you through these, building your confidence in navigating them.

• Breakdown Procedures: A theoretical overview of what to do in the event of a breakdown on the motorway, including the use of the hard shoulder and emergency phones.

Part 3: The Return Journey and Debrief

The lesson will conclude with the return ferry journey to the Isle of Wight. This provides another opportunity for a debrief with your instructor. You will discuss:

• What you did well: Highlighting your successes and the areas where you showed confidence.

• Areas for improvement: Constructive feedback on any areas that need more practice.

• Next steps: Your instructor may recommend further motorway lessons or suggest you consider the Pass Plus scheme, which includes a motorway module.

This comprehensive lesson is designed to not just teach you the practical skills of motorway driving, but to build your confidence in a controlled and progressive manner, turning what can be a daunting prospect into a positive and empowering experience.