The right-hand (offside) lane is for overtaking only. Once you’ve overtaken you should return to the left-hand lane as soon as it’s safe to do so. It isn’t the ‘fast lane’.

Large goods vehicles are permitted to use either lane. They’re subject to the same rules on lane use described above.

Motorways with three or more lanes

Because of the volume of traffic on three-lane motorways, many are being widened to four or more lanes in each direction.

Keep to the left-hand lane unless there are slower vehicles ahead – it’s possible to stay in the centre or outer lanes while you’re overtaking a number of slower-moving vehicles, but don’t stay in these lanes

longer than you have to
if you’re delaying traffic behind you.

Drivers of large goods vehicles, buses, coaches or any vehicle towing a trailer aren’t allowed to use the extreme right-hand lane of a motorway with more than two lanes, unless one or more lanes are temporarily closed.

Don’t stay in an overtaking lane longer than it takes you to move out, overtake and move in again safely. Make sure you don’t block traffic that’s not allowed to use the outer lane.

Changing lanes

Don’t change lanes unnecessarily. You should

keep your vehicle steady in the centre of the lane
not wander into another lane.

MSM routine

Always use the MSM routine well before you intend to change lanes.

At higher speeds, you must start the routine much earlier.

Look and, if necessary, signal in good time. Remember, vehicles might come up behind you very quickly.

The sooner you indicate, the sooner other drivers are warned of your intended movement. They’ll expect a change in the traffic pattern and have time to prepare for it.

Be particularly aware of motorcyclists; they can be difficult to see due to their narrow profile but they may be travelling at high speeds. In congested situations they may filter between lanes of slower-moving traffic.

Crawler and climbing lanes

A steep hill on a motorway might have a crawler or climbing lane to avoid heavy vehicles slowing down the flow of traffic.

When other vehicles join

After you pass an exit, there’s usually an entrance where other vehicles can join the motorway.

Don’t try to race them while they’re on the slip road.
Look well ahead; if there are several vehicles joining the motorway, be prepared to adjust your speed.
Show consideration for traffic joining the motorway and, if it’s safe, move to another lane to make it easier for joining traffic to merge.
Take extra care if the motorway curves, as drivers on the slip road may have difficulty seeing vehicles on the motorway.

Motorway interchanges

Where motorways merge or separate you might be required to change lanes, sometimes more than once.

Pay attention to the overhead direction signs and move into the correct lane in good time.

Where the hatch markings indicate splitter islands, stay in your lane.

Assess conditions well ahead and watch for other drivers changing lane.

Changes in traffic conditions

Traffic conditions can vary as much on a motorway as on an ordinary road.

There can be rush-hour traffic near cities, heavy traffic near roadworks and constantly busy sections in other places.

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