Tips for first long motorway drive

[Megsh85]

I’ve been driving for about a year and a half now, been on the motorway a few times but I haven’t driven for longer than an hour and a half before. I’m driving from down south up to Liverpool and back and it’s approx 220 miles each way in a week as it’s cheaper to split fuel than trains.. I’m very nervous.

We are leaving on a Friday and coming back Sunday. Any tips??

Take breaks. Have water to hand. Listen to podcasts. Keep checking mirrors, stay left unless you're overtaking.

You could stop at a services for a break (or stop twice) about half way along, which will mean you’re not driving for more than a couple of hours at a time and can stretch legs.

snacks, drinks, load up an audiobook, and you’re away.

I wouldn't suggest an audiobook because they make me tired; I'd suggest a good playlist though.

Stop at service stations for loo breaks and to stretch your legs. Maybe aim for as much as possible to be daytime driving to make it easier.

What time are you planning on leaving on Friday? Traffic can be awful heading into cities on a Friday.

I'd recommend an early start if possible

Check your route before you go.
Leave yourself plenty of time.
Take regular breaks.
Stay in inside line unless overtaking.
Take sunglasses.
Most importantly, don't speed and leave a very big gap between you and the car in front, especially if the road surface is wet/rainy.
Good luck!

Inflate your tyres and top up washer fluid before you go

Leaving about 1.. is that going to be a nightmare?

Keep the radio on a national station with good traffic news .

For the love of God do not sit in the middle lane.

@Megsh85 you should be ok. I wouldn't leave it much later than that though.

Google maps is a better option. Live traffic updates. Travel news only helps if you know the area.

Second the top up your screenwash advice. There is nothing worse than realising you've run out on the motorway. I had the worst drive of my life trying to make it to the next services with no screen wash. Lorries are filthy.

Look as far ahead as possible to anticipate traffic ahead.
If feel tired pull off motorway for espresso coffee. Works every time!
Stay safe OP.

M6 North from Birmingham to Cheshire can be a nightmare on a Friday afternoon. I'd leave as early as possible.

Agree about middle lane use. Middle lane hoggers should be banned for a very long time.

Consider the M6 toll road as part of your journey.

Definitely take the toll road on the M6. It's the best bit of the motorway you'll ever find. You can pay by card or cash.

I always have a bit of a struggle coming off that toll road with, I think, the M40 or the M42. If you're travelling with someone, make sure that your route is written down and understood before you go. You can rely on satnav of course, but sometimes it gets a bit confusing so it's better to know exactly where you're going in advance.

Friday afternoons are usually pretty bad everywhere on the motorway. 220 miles means you'll be driving for 4-5 hours with breaks, so that'll take you over the 5pm-6pm rush hour which isn't good really. Depending on where you'll be, you'll almost certainly encounter very busy roads, junctions, queues, etc. from around 4 pm onwards.

Maybe allow plenty of time to have an extended break at a services 5-6 to get off the road. Should start to be quieter again after 6.

Agree with pp. When you come off the M6 Toll, northbound traffic on the M6 can be v slow on a Friday. Allow plenty of time.

Definitely jump on the toll. You could always get off the toll a junction early (at Burntwood/Brownhills) and then join the M6 at J11 - queues at the toll plaza are ridiculous on a Friday. The toll will be slightly cheaper not paying at a toll plaza as well.

@Megsh85 it would be helpful to know where your departure point is

There is a speed camera when you come off the m62 at the end and the speed limit is 50.

Don't speed it will catch you.

Not implying you speed but it gets missed by a lot of people coming off here.

Try an audio book also

This. Middle lane drivers are some of the most dangerous on the road.

Clean your windows

Check your tires

Fill your windscreen fluid

Start with a full tank

Have some sunglasses to hand.

Use Waze as a satnav

Never touch your phone so make sure you passengers know how to use it

Don't speed

Don't sit in the middle lane

Leave a BIG gap between the car in front. If someone drives too close behind you get out there way even if they are being a knob.

Continually check your mirrors. You should always know what is around you and that includes what's behind you.

Relax and enjoy the journey.