South Meath Driving School

The training programme for Learner Drivers is not the finished article – yet. After acquiring a full Driving Licence, the ‘graduate’ then commences a further learning process, maybe all alone and unaided. That is a grave shortfall in the present system. Driving on the Motorway is not permitted without a full licence, even for training purposes, accompanied by an instructor. Of course, neither is night driving, driving in inclement weather, changing a wheel etc, included.

Here I will outline some rules, in accordance with the RSA, that are legally required to be complied with on the motorway, as well as good driving practice which should be adhered to.

• Drive ahead only, no turning or reversing is permitted.
• You must progress at a speed and in a way that avoids interference with other motorway traffic.
• Do not drive on the Hard Shoulder or Hatched Areas, except in an emergency.
• You may NOT stop on the Hard Shoulder for a snooze!
• Do not stop or park on any part of the motorway unless directed by a Garda.
• You must not drive a type of vehicle that is restricted to a maximum vehicle speed of 80km/h or less in the traffic lane nearest the centre median of the motorway (i.e. the outside lane, whether a 2 lane, only, or more.)
• Do not pick up or set down anybody on a motorway.

Proper Use Of Lanes

It is important to understand the proper use of each lane on a motorway. To demonstrate this, each lane is given a number. The Hard Shoulder, to the left, is not a lane, remember. Lane 1 is to the left and may be referred to as the inside lane. On a two-lane motorway, the lane nearest the central median is lane 2, in that case, the outside lane. On a three-lane motorway, this (outside) lane is lane 3.

Lane 1

The normal ‘keep left’ rule applies. Stay in this lane unless you are overtaking.

Lane 2

On a two-lane motorway, use this lane for overtaking only and move back into lane 1 when finished overtaking. You may also use this lane to accommodate traffic merging from the left.

On a three-lane motorway, you may stay in this centre lane while there is slower moving traffic in Lane 1.

Lane 3

If travelling on a three-lane motorway, you must use this lane only if traffic in lanes 1 and 2 is moving in queues and you need to overtake or accommodate merging traffic. Once finished overtaking, move back to your left and allow faster traffic coming from behind to pass.

You must not use the lane nearest the central median (i.e. Lane 2 or 3, depending on the motorway width) if you are driving, as follows –

*  A  goods vehicle with a design gross vehicle weight of more than 3,500 kilograms (3 ½ tonnes).

* A passenger vehicle with seating for more than 8 passengers (aside from the driver,) or,

* A vehicle towing a trailer , horsebox or caravan.

You may use the lane nearest the median strip in exceptional circumstances when you cannot proceed in the inner lane because of a blockage ahead; also, if you are in an area of motorway with a speed limit of 80km/h or less. This is why it is illegal for lorry drivers to overtake vehicles on a motorway in circumstances outside the above limits. Ever noticed? Indeed, yes.

It is of utmost importance to keep back a safe distance from the vehicle in front: use the 2 second rule. Traffic is moving at a vastly faster pace than on lesser roads, so, it takes longer to stop in an emergency, perhaps leading to a pileup.

Use the signal to move from Lane 3 to Lane 2. If continuing to move to Lane 1, the signal should be cancelled in Lane 2, before commencing the move to Lane 1, when another signal should be given.

Check mirrors regularly, including wing mirrors. Be conscious of blind  spots and a quick glance over the shoulder before commencing a lane change may avert a collision. Apply the mirror, mirror, signal, manoeuvre rule. Measure the distance of vehicles to the rear in your internal rear view mirror, as the wing mirrors may give you a wrong impression of distance, they being of convex shape. Don’t allow your eyes to focus on the vehicle in front for long periods, scan up ahead and move the eyes about. It helps to keep more alert.

Avoid sharp braking and use hazard warning lights to warn traffic behind. Avoid causing another driver on the motorway to change lane or brake to accommodate you, apart from when you merge. Be conscious of all traffic around you and anticipate changes.

Overtake on the right only. Never, ever overtake on the hard shoulder. If traffic in the right lane is travelling slower than in your lane you may pass, or, call it overtake, on the left. Before moving from a slower lane to a faster one, adjust your speed: increase it. Check that the lane is clear behind and ahead and signal early. For someone driving on a motorway for the first few times, like the holder of a first full Driving Licence, the pace of traffic may be daunting and it is preferable that such driver should take a further driving lesson or, at least, be accompanied by an experienced driver.

Extra care is required at dusk, in darkness and in poor weather conditions. Larger lorries throw up spray on wet roads and wipers should be activated in good time so that visibility is not impeded. Should conditions be difficult to cope with, move to the left lane, at least until you adjust to the pace or, perhaps, until the heavier traffic eases.

Read the traffic signs on the gantries which are displayed  on motorways and dual carriageways. Get in the left lane in anticipation of moving off the motorway and be alert for the directional sign in advance.

There are many more rules that apply to motorway driving and I will look at them another time.