To think I won't kill someone if I drive like this without lessons?

[RealPill]

I passed my test. When I get my car in a few weeks, the first major trip I want to take is from Bedfordshire to Essex. AIBU to think I won't kill someone if I drive on the motorway without any lessons?

My instructor said I should really think carefully before attempting a motorway on my own, and has strongly advised some motorway lessons.

I thought the only tricky thing would be merging on from a slip road... Otherwise should be fine, just follow the SatNav and road signs, and stay in the first lane at 60/65mph.

Maybe I am bonkers... I've spoke to a few friends and they said they just drove on motorways without any lessons for them. But they all passed years ago so maybe things were different

They're trying to sell you extra lessons, you'll be fine!

I didn’t have any motorway lessons either. Just cracked on with it a few weeks after passing my test x

You need to do a shorter trip on the motorway first. A route you know well - when it is quieter if possible.

If you've driven on a major A road, you'll be fine.

I did it without lessons. Merging onto a motorway is the same as merging on a duel carriageway, so if you've done that then you'll be fine. Just try to match the speed of the traffic before merging

I learnt to drive in a tiny little village.
Within a few weeks I drove into central London by myself. It was amazing and really made me a more confident driver
You’ll be fine

I did pass plus, not sure there was much benefit to it to be honest and I've always found motorway driving easiest. Plus I'd done slip roads onto dual carriageways whilst learning. If you're confident then go for it! Most people do!

I didn't have extra lessons but I did have an experienced driver come out with me the first few trips to help point things out - an extra pair of eyes and some advice for trickier spots, such as when slips roads are very close or combined with other exits or when there are complex lane splits for different routes.

I have merged onto a dual carriageway a few times yes but often just been lucky and there's been no build up of cars! And often had assistance from instructor...

My only fear is trying to merge on and someone not letting me in

Did a busy stretch of the a1 the day after I passed my test/first time driving a new car. If you're a proficient, safe driver you'll be fine

You should have a couple of lessons maybe. It's all well and good saying you will stay in the first lane and pootle along at 60 but it doesn't work like that. If you get stuck behind a lorry that is crawling up a hill at 30, what would you do?

Have you driven in contraflow traffic if there are roadworks on your journey?

Well done on passing but please take advice from your instructor. Motorway driving is very different from driving around town.

I oy went on a dual carriage way once when I was learning to drive, I did about 20 lessons when I was 17, then another 20ish be for I passed my test at 23, so basically started all over again. You will be fine.

They’re just trying to sell you lessons. I admit I am an absolutely horrendous driver but I find motorways easiest as it’s just a straight line mainly, if you’ve been on a dual carriage way you’ll be fine.

If you have done a dual carriageway it’s very similar. I drove on the motorway in a Sunday morning (pretty empty) to get used to it.

Don't wait, start practicing now on motorways

M25?

How familiar are you with the route?
Will anyone be with you?

When are you planning to do this exactly?
(My risk assessment has alarm bells going off!)

Everyone would benefit from further lessons after passing their test, but you don't need them.

I'd suggest as pp has said if you feel you need to build up a bit more confidence, take a couple of short trips on major A roads.

Is this a thing now? Motorway lessons?

Motorway driving is easier. Everyone is moving in the same direction and should be a similar speed, nothing/no-one will run out in front of you and there aren't any junctions to navigate.

Nothing to worry about.

My MIL has been driving 25 years and has never left the town/the tiny village next door. That's it. She won't go further afield, and certainly wouldn't dream of setting foot on a motorway

Is it not 45 for first year? Even on motorway? Or am I confused?

Anyway you’ll be fine, I didn’t have any lessons after my test ...and merging from a slip road still gives me anxiety 🙈

If you’ve passed your test you can drive anywhere.

You don’t get lessons on motorways unless you do pass plus which costs more so most people don’t do it.

If you can merge or change lanes, which you have to be able to do to pass, then you’ll be fine on a motorway.

If you are worried, find a section of motorway with two nearby exists and drive in a loop practising entering and exiting.

That's quite a long way for your first trip on the M25. You can't count on staying in the left hand lane all the way - there are several places where you have to manoeuvre into a different lane in order to stay on the right road (eg where the left lane is a dedicated lane for the next junction). There are a lot of signs to read and some of the other drivers will be driving badly.

Only you know how confident you feel, but I'd definitely agree with the advice to do a shorter trip first, to see how it goes. And do whatever you can to time the longer trip for a relatively quiet time.

You'll be fine! Always check your mirrors, if you're moving from fast lane to middle lane, then make sure there's no one moving from the slow lane to the middle lane. Keep your distance from the car in front and have fun!