Merging onto a main road/motorway

Published on 20 January 2014

So you have just bought your first car, passed your test and received your car insurance for young drivers. Merging onto a main road or motorway can be a cause of concern for both new drivers and the experienced, however, if you have never done it before it really can be a daunting task. There are a number of things you can do to ensure that you join a main road or motorway safely.

  • First things first, pay attention. Be aware of what is going on around you and if there are cars approaching in the lane you’re trying to join.
  • It is important that you build up speed before joining the motorway. Acceleration lanes on motorways are made for this purpose to allow you to move on to the motorway at the same speed (safely and legally) as the traffic that is already on it.
  • Put on your indicator in good time to let the road users know you plan on joining them on the road.
  • Make sure you enter when there is a safe gap in the traffic. Check your mirrors and blind spot to make sure you haven’t missed any oncoming cars.
  • Always give way to the traffic that is already on the carriageway or motorway.
  • Stay in the slip road as long as is necessary and avoid crossing any solid white lines that separate the lanes.

Above all, remain vigilant at all times both when joining and driving on roads.