Slip Roads: how can I get the hang of them?

[GlitterToast]

I passed my driving test a few months ago, but I still haven't been on a motorway. I just don't get how slip roads work? I've watched every Youtube video, but I'm still confused!

Specific issues I have:

1. What if there isn't a gap for you to merge into by the end of the slip?

1. How can I gauge the gap between cars when everything is moving so fast? I'm worried I'm going to mis-calculate and hit someone.

I practised at first at times of the day when the motorway was going to be really quiet.

@MonstranceClock

I’m not surprised. Learners aren’t allowed onto slip roads, which means they don’t get any practice/ learning. It is a big problem, I think.

Since when? I passed my test 4 years ago and I used slip roads every lesson.

You can as a learner go on slip roads to dual carriageways, if you have any nearby like this. Not everyone does.

I had a specific 3 hour motorway lesson with my driving instructor just after I passed my test.

Just went on and off slip roads, literally off the slip, round the roundabout and back onto the motorway. We also went into a service station for a coffee half way through

Best thing I ever did. But we have on/off slip roads locally and I do hate them so I try to avoid them where possible.

I’m not surprised. Learners aren’t allowed onto slip roads, which means they don’t get any practice/ learning. It is a big problem, I think

Since when? I did slip roads just 2 years ago. I'm also pretty sure learners get took on motorways now.

My driving instructor took me on a slip road very early in my lessons, he said you had to crack on with the hard stuff. We didn't do motorways but I paid for a motorway lesson after I passed my test, it was no harder and the duel carriageway's near me.

@GlitterToast learners aren't allowed on motorways. Slip roads are okay. Hell, I'd never have been able to do lessons if it wasn't allowed because a slip road is the only way out of my village.

Learners are allowed on motorways with an instructor - since 2018. You said you only passed a few months ago?

You really need more lessons - with a different instructor. Reading this I'm worried about what other basic driving techniques you having been taught.

Not blaming you, some instructors are shit and the learner just gets lucky and passes the test.

Should say what else you haven't been taught.

I've been driving for 25 years. Be positive, indicate and don't go too slowly down a slip road. Occasionally there seem to be the odd idiots who seem hell bent on not letting you in. And it's awful when there is someone slow and hesitant in front of you, putting you right in the path of an HGV. Aaargh!

Well I learnt doing sliproads on my first time out in a car by myself. I took a wrong route and did the M3, M25 and M4 in rush hour. I was petrified, but I pulled up my big girl pants and did it and lived to tell the tale.

So, just do it. Indicate and look properly, and you will be fine.

The trick is to look much further behind you than you would think while you are starting on the slip road so you know well in advance if there is a gap and can adjust your speed accordingly. I learnt that on a defensive driving course and it's really helpful. Also when motorway driving don't just look at the car in front but into the distance as well- as far as you can see- this will give you enough warning to slow down if something happens or if they all start braking etc

Yes, I am going to take a few extra lessons to get a bit more confident.

You might want to look into using a different instructor. Sounds like yours hasn't been telling you the right things so far!