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Original poster

Tips for first long motorway drive

76 replies

Megsh85 · 23/03/2023 19:25

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??

OP posts:
ActDottie · 23/03/2023 20:14

For that journey length I’d stop at services twice so four times in total. Stay hydrated

gogohmm · 23/03/2023 20:15

Breaks at least every 3 hours. Around Birmingham the traffic is generally terrible, especially near the ikea, fast lane helps as it's the traffic turning off causing the back up. Work out a fuel stop off the motorway as motorway fuel is £££ if you need one. I'm assuming london, if coming from the sw it's a nice drive to go via Hereford and the A49.

getafringenotbotox · 23/03/2023 20:16

If your going to be eating then there is a chain that do Chinese if you like it. Chosen noodle I think it's called.

Giggorata · 23/03/2023 20:19

You've had some excellent advice here. The only thing I would add, is relax, but not too much.

TuesdayJulyNever · 23/03/2023 20:21

Chant “only a fool breaks the two second rule” to gauge your braking distance. Twice if the weather is bad.

When you’re overtaking, the other car should be visible in the centre mirror before pulling over.

Driving on too little sleep is as dangerous as driving with a drink. Prioritise your sleep the night before, or take a nap before you drive.

getafringenotbotox · 23/03/2023 20:22

If you get lucky and there is limited traffic. Just enjoy it too. Nothing like flying down the m6 with a bit of britney on

BreadInCaptivity · 23/03/2023 20:32

Drive at a reasonable speed.

I don't mean you have to sit at 70 but anything less than 60 means you risk being constantly overtaken by large lorries which can be unnerving.

It's better for you to be in control by overtaking large vehicles rather than them overtaking you. Just make sure you check your mirrors and leave large gaps in front of you as other pp's have already said.

In a similar vein however don't feel pressured by driving faster than you are comfortable with. If you are overtaking in the middle lane at 65 for example (and that's a speed you are comfortable with) don't feel you need to push to 70 just because someone is coming up behind you. Its on them to move to the outside lane to overtake you.

ClassicLib · 23/03/2023 20:34

Keep left unless overtaking.

Don’t drive too slowly. 60 is fine, but any slower and you will be forcing trucks to overtake you, which causes chaos.

Don’t sit in the blind spot of foreign left had drive trucks. It’s a very dangerous place to be.

Try to do the trip at off-peak times if at all possible. Particularly on the Friday ; morning will be better than afternoon. Also, check the weather forecast. Driving on motorways in the dry is much less stressful than in the wet.

Take breaks as often as you feel you need to. You will be absolutely fine.

BreadInCaptivity · 23/03/2023 20:38

Just to clarify I mean reasonable speed wrt the conditions.

It's perfectly acceptable (even advisable) to drive slower in torrential rain for example.

Just before I get pounced on!

thedancingbear · 23/03/2023 20:40

If it's your first long motorway journey, the best thing to do would be to sit in the middle lane for most of the way, at around 65-70mph. That way, you can just zone out.

fairtrauchled · 23/03/2023 20:51

Plan your route ahead so you know in advance which exits/ slip roads you need to take off/join the motorway.Take a break to stretch your legs,go to the toilet and have a coffee. As others have said,do not hog the middle lane.

queenofthebongo · 23/03/2023 21:50

Where down south? Bristol side and you don't hit the toll road so it removes the option. The only annoying bit is joining the m6 from the m5. It's usually busy but at least slower there. The rest is easy. You can stop at Gloucester and keele to break it up. If you're driving to the centre, just stay on m62 till the end and follow google maps. We did the journey recently and it's fine. Google took us a funny way into town but it probably beat the traffic! Enjoy. I go for a Diet Coke and haribo/sports mixture with radio 4 extra or podcasts on a long one.

BreadInCaptivity · 23/03/2023 22:46

thedancingbear · 23/03/2023 20:40

If it's your first long motorway journey, the best thing to do would be to sit in the middle lane for most of the way, at around 65-70mph. That way, you can just zone out.

Do not do this.

It's irresponsible advice.

Middle lane driving is contrary to the Highway Code.

It's lazy and dangerous as is the suggestion that you "zone out".

sanityisamyth · 23/03/2023 22:46

thedancingbear · 23/03/2023 20:40

If it's your first long motorway journey, the best thing to do would be to sit in the middle lane for most of the way, at around 65-70mph. That way, you can just zone out.

Dangerous bloody advice. Do NOT sit in the middle lane.

Tree543 · 23/03/2023 22:49

Do not Zone Out on your first motorway journey!

Cravingsweets · 23/03/2023 23:37

thedancingbear · 23/03/2023 20:40

If it's your first long motorway journey, the best thing to do would be to sit in the middle lane for most of the way, at around 65-70mph. That way, you can just zone out.

Well that's the worst piece of advice I've ever seen. Is it satire? I can't tell.

JustFuckOffPlease · 24/03/2023 06:30

Don't cruise in the middle lane.
Oil and tyre check before you go (avoids the stress of a flashing red light suddenly appearing).
Fill up tank.
Wine gums.
Audible.
Schedule your stops.
Enjoy!

JustFuckOffPlease · 24/03/2023 07:04

That middle lane piece of advice HAS to be a joke.

OP - please don't do this.

cluefu · 24/03/2023 07:17

You'll already have encountered this on the driving you've done but be extra aware when traffic is joining the motorway you're on.

It's the joining traffic's responsibility to merge appropriately where it's a merge lane but you do see people who haven't really adjusted or factored the existing traffic in. Some people move over for them if safe and others will slightly adjust their speed to help them but either way, be aware as I found it a bit disconcerting at times.

Also depending on where you are sometimes the left hand lane can become a separate motorway but there's always plenty of time, just keep your eye on the signs and look at the route in advance as much as possible on Google earth (for major junctions).

I used to hate motorway driving but I do it loads all over the country and it's definitely my preferred choice now

Another specific tip is if you're a contact lense wearer (I am) I'll either wear my glasses for the whole journey or have them handy. Just in case any issues with them (occasionally mine decide to fall out or really irritate me if I'm tired).

You'll be fine! And all this preparation will ensure you're far better than lots of other drivers!

frozendaisy · 24/03/2023 07:22

Pay for the M6 toll and stop at service station on toll road.

Badbadbunny · 24/03/2023 07:24

thedancingbear · 23/03/2023 20:40

If it's your first long motorway journey, the best thing to do would be to sit in the middle lane for most of the way, at around 65-70mph. That way, you can just zone out.

Don't even think of doing that. It's terrible advice.

PaniniHead · 24/03/2023 07:26

Agree with PPs, take the M6 Toll Road. It’s worth paying for. Much quieter stretch of road to break it up. I drive North West to London every couple of months and it’s a decent service station. Not worth doing if you’re driving overnight but as you’re going in the afternoon I really recommend it.

Magenta65 · 24/03/2023 07:31

Good music or podcasts. A few drinks and snacks to hand. Plan a stop or two in the services and add it into your travel time. Avoid peak hours and I’d use Waze as you drive, live traffic updates, tell you where all the cameras are, cars on hard shoulder set

Magenta65 · 24/03/2023 07:32

Also check your tires oil and coolant before a long drive. Should be ok but best tk be sure

EyesOnThePies · 24/03/2023 07:39

I was shocked at the new M6 Toll price: £8.20!

OP, relax! You say you have driven on motorways before, this is just for longer, so stop at service stations, you’ll be fine.

Stop regularly and before you really need a wee. Nothing worse than being desperate and then hitting a hold up!