How To Drive Like A Driving Instructor | Other Drivers Lane Discipline

[@tides2002]

There seems to be an increasing number of lane 2 60mph trundler’s who will speed up to 70mph when someone starts to overtake in lane 3, more annoying than just sitting in lane 2 at a constant speed.

[@EEtix]

This literally happened to me yesterday, I had to go 75 because of someone behind getting closer and wanting to round, once I over took the guy going 60. He speeds up, goes Infront of me and slows down again.....some people really can't stand being overtaken

[@peterthompson9854]

I have never noticed this on the road.

[@QiuEnnan]

@@EEtixNext time just slow down and drop back, then try to overtake again later if they slow down again.

[@alanmorrison163]

29:30 sitting behind the lorries with ACC on gives some really impressive fuel consumption numbers, lorries are great at punching a great big hole in the air so you don’t have to.

[@BillCarson-mq9ko]

How does that annoy you?

[@miapenny4161]

It really is appalling to see how many people will stick themselves in the 2nd lane and never budge. Glad you mentioned how cars can block your view on the slip road at the beginning; I drive a small car, and that can be a right pain. Great video!

[@andrewholdsworth4953]

This video is probably the best you have ever done about driving on motorways. I'm a truck driver and you are 100% correct about what trucks should be doing with lane changes. We are under pressure due to our tachograph rules, but we can slow down to let other vehicles move around the road. Keep up the excellent work, Ashley.

[@ashley_neal]

Thanks for your support Andrew 👊

[@ibs5080]

I've often heard folks say that motorway driving is boring. However, as Ashley's video shows, there's always plenty to think about in the strive to improve your driving to make it interesting.

[@TheRip72]

You've summed it up nicely. Ashley's commentary was non-stop, which proved there is always something going on to be thinking about. Anyone who claims it is boring simply does not think enough. They will be the ones just following strict rules & sitting in a lane when they should be thinking 'is this the right lane?'

[@ibs5080]

@@TheRip72 You've summed it up very nicely too. I guess it also begs the question "Under the same principle, can being stuck in a traffic jam also be interesting?".

[@DontAttme]

Motorways are tied with B roads as the best part of driving, speeding or not.

[@rufusgreenleaf2466]

It can be therapeutic for someone like me, as opposed to heavy city driving which annoys me. I had a conversation with someone at my work who said driving to Skegness was boring. I love it, i love all the country A roads.

[@jamesmccann531]

@@DontAttme I do love night time B roads. 60 mph limit which you will rarely get near, just able to accelerate/brake as appropriate for the conditions. And at night, they are normally empty and you can use headlights to get advance warning of cars. Do have to look out for other dangers, but that comes with going the appropriate speed for the situation.

[@ShaimingLong]

As I've had a busy afternoon after watching this video, I took it as an opportunity to ask some people about motorway lanes, as a non driver and prefacing it on saying I'd watched this video on motorway driving. Two care workers, one of which does transport to help clients get to their appointments and my step-dad. All three gave me the same sort of summary, left lane is for vans and trucks and for leaving the motorway, middle lane is for regular cars and the right lane is for overtaking the middle lane. On asking a little further, my step-dad did acknowledge that the right land is to keep traffic flowing, but that's about it. So I'm guessing that simplification of motorway lanes is why you get so many people just coasting along in the middle lane, they think that's where they should be as non-work vehicle drivers. Edit: I spoke with a couple of friends individually and asked them both as they've been on the road roughly ten years, one was a bit of a boy racer, the other I've always viewed as being pretty sensible. The "boy racer" gave mostly the same concept, except the right lane was just "the fast lane, which if you're competent is where you wanna be." The sensible driver tried to give me an explanation all about traffic flow and to try to be in the left lane as much as possible, dependent on other vehicles around you. So that's 4 out of 5 that seemed to think the lanes were more about what vehicle you're driving and not about traffic flow. So as regular car users, they believed they should be in the middle lane with small exception to the one who seems to think he should be in the right hand lane. All of which is rather concerning.

[@claytonhayward5815]

Brilliant video, Ashley. I'm a national same day courier in a van and do motorway miles pretty much every day - some motorways are better than others, but the M6 is just awful until you get to Preston - from North of there it improves massively. Your observations about people congregating in lanes 3 and 4 on smart motorways is so very true (especially on the M1, my 'home' motorway in the East Midlands), and totally ruins any semblance of flow. It was very refreshing to see that the way you tackle motorways pretty much mirrors what I do, so I must be doing it right, but always eager to learn. I like to make (legal) progress, and I do tend to proactively manage flow (especially on dual carriageways, where I'm limited to 60) by keeping out of the way of people and slotting in between slow moving vehicles (with adequate safe space obviously), and it is amazing how many people follow suit, much like they did on your video. Having said that, equally there are some that are rooted to their lane. This video should be a compulsory watch for every driver on the road, if not to make them aware the throttle isn't on and off, there's a whole raft of controls in between the two ! Have recommended my mates in the trade watch this video, and encourage them to share it with everyone they know. Well done mate - much needed. PS Highways England have been putting 'Keep Left unless overtaking' and 'Don't be a middle lane hog' signs on the matrix boards on all motorways and major A-roads (eg A14) for the last two or three weeks and, after a stuttering start, it does now seem to be making a difference, albeit a VERY slight one ! At least some drivers are taking the hint anyway

[@khalidacosta7133]

What's worse is the people who join the motorway and immediately go into Lane 2, even though Lane 1 was clear... and the most dangerous of these idiots are travelling around 50mph....

[@PedroConejo1939]

I've seen drivers move immediately to lane 2 at the start of a dual-carriageway section from a single carriageway, even though there is a completely empty road in front of them. Then they stay there. I can think of no motivation for doing it.

[@broadsword6650]

If people would join the motorway first, become part of the flow, assess the situation, and only then change lane/speed etc, it would be so much better for everyone, rather than barging in, swinging across lane s, accelerating hard to max speed etc

[@PedroConejo1939]

@@broadsword6650 As we're supposed to according to the highway code.

[@broadsword6650]

@@PedroConejo1939 exactly. But we know that many people haven't read that publication since they passed their test.

[@PedroConejo1939]

@@broadsword6650 Exactly.

[@kiddywolf1837]

As a retired ADI this is how I used to teach my learners on motorway lessons after they had passed. Keep up the good work. Speaking to some drivers (not my learners) some stick to the middle lane because they are scared to change lanes while others think of lane 1 as the slow lane!

[@jimcameron6803]

"I hate lane-keep assist" I've only just passed my test, but having experienced it in my instructor's car I'm very much inclined to agree. It didn't kick in very often, but given that one of those times it was trying to keep me on the wrong side of the road while I was overtaking, and twice it tried to prevent me from avoiding a pothole when the second lane was completely clear and empty, I think I'd rather not have it.

[@mdcollins1984]

Perfect timing! Can't watch the whole video but it fits in perfectly with my journey yesterday! Dual carriageway at night, driver in lane 2 at 65mph passing no one for miles. I wasn't in a hurry so didn't undertake. Not much else on the road but a couple of cars passed me and undertook him. One undertook, did a revenge lane change into lane 2 in front of said car, who then clearly panicked and shot into lane 1 in front of me without paying any attention!!

[@smilerbob]

That is the trouble with the reprimand pass that either the driver giving the reprimand is only focused on the itger car or the other driver panics and does something unexpected

[@gazsm1]

Had it recently on the M6, small car very close behind me in the second lane as I was passing a lorry. Further ahead, another lorry pulled out into the second lane, so I checked my mirrors and checked over my right shoulder, and, as I saw nothing, I indicated to go into lane 3... suddenly, a horn was blaring, and the little car was already in lane 3 and going for an overtake. Because he was close to me, he'd fallen right into my blindspot... had he held back to a correct distance and then attempted the overtake, I would have seen him... but his impatience led to him following far too close and being in my blindspot.

[@hugoed3740]

Absolutely fascinating video of driving safely on a motorway, with due consideration for all motorists. Good to hear your thinking as different scenarios presented themselves. I also got the impression that the majority of motorists were also driving in a safe manner with similar care and consideration for the other motorway users.

[@stephencooper3280]

Another enjoyable video. Love the 'How to drive like a Driving Instructor' series. I passed my test last year a bit later in life (47) and learn a lot from these, and all, your videos.

[@CarCapture]

One of the new challenges i've noticed is when moving back into a left lane alongside a lorry. I'd always done that when you could see the driver in their mirror in the 'have they seen me' mode. However, the newer units with cameras for mirrors, you can't use that as a guide.

[@ashley_neal]

Absolutely right Simon. I'm currently trying to borrow either a lorry or a car so I can explore this further. Our video is scheduled for the weekend by the way!

[@FlavourlessLife]

On lane discipline and moving back to lane 1... I think it's not just laziness, but also dread of having to time your move back out into lane 2 when lane 2 drivers aren't anticipating what you're going to do (which should be obvious, if they're paying attention).

[@alane7903]

Which just requires a little more forward planning on the part of the driver wanting to move back out (but yes, it's whatmakes many nervous of correctly keeping left).

[@ellieban]

I agree. I think people don’t want to get trapped in lane 1 with an endless queue of drivers in lane 2.

[@ibs5080]

Watched the entire video now and made many individual comments. Just also to add, that was brilliant Ash! And you put so much thought into your driving and passed on so many great ideas. Learned a number of new things from this video and reinforced several things i was already doing. Massive Thanks Ash!

[@MK-1973]

Thanks so much for this one Ashley - truly impressive how much safe space you're able to create around you whilst still making such excellent progress in heavy traffic. As you say a higher 'mental load' than just pootling along in lane 1 (even when properly concentrating), but as you show here it can be quite stimulating as well to challenge yourself to make good decisions to make a little more safe progress.

[@lewistillett206]

I’ve become addicted to your videos, passed my test in 2018 but there’s always things I need to brush up on

[@beastlyfitzy]

I love this series. It's great to see so many different scenarios being dealt with

[@neiltill]

Great video again Ashley, nice to see even someone at top of there game like you are can make the odd mistake changing gears, that will make me feel next time it happens to me😂. I dont use motoways that often now but got a road trip planned from Hull over to North Wales in just over a month, will definitely be watching this and other videos youve done on motorway's just to refresh my self before my trip.

[@samcooper1579]

Hi Ashley, another great video! Does your car have a speed limiter feature? As an HGV driver myself, I'd love to see a video where you set your limit to ~56mph and drive "like a lorry" to show how poor lane discipline DOES affect the progress of larger & slower moving vehicles. Just a suggestion! 👍

[@laceandwhisky]

Yep not forgetting the lack of respect people give to HGV 's on the road 😊

[@Evolixe]

It still wouldn't be the same as moving in and out of lanes with a 16.5m long vehicle isn't quite the same thing as doing that with a 4m long passenger car Changing lanes with a lorry inherently requires extensive planning on a busy road.

[@samcooper1579]

@@Evolixe yes you're right, my suggestion would only cover half the problems we face in HGVs, but I think it would be an interesting video nonetheless!

[@antonycharnock2993]

I've tried it in my car and it's so frustrating. I also find cruise control pointless in a car at 70mph unless you've got adaptive or you're travelling late at night and the motorway is almost empty.

[@ianmason.]

On a recent run from a day out walking in Dungeness returning to home In east London via the M20 I did a little experiment and did sections with cruise control set to various speeds From 70 mph down to 50 mph in 5 mph increments. To my surprise I found that people exercised the best lane discipline around me if I was going at 50 mph. At 50 people didn't tailgate me, they overtook me leaving plenty of time, and generally I had to make the least adjustment for other people's behaviour. The other speeds were all less good and pretty similar to one another, with the exception that if I wanted to maintain 70 mph I had to do a _lot_ more awkward navigating around lane hoggers and speeders.

[@PeterPan-i3x]

Really enjoyed this video, I'm going on a road trip to Scotland, I don't use motorways usually, always stick to A roads, I've been driving 10 years, no points or any crashes etc. To be honest I'm very hesitant and panicking all little bit it's our first family holiday now my kids are a little older. I wish I had motorway learning on my test. Is their anything I should know about motorway driving ?. I know I should know but in the situation things can tend to be different, thanks

[@AUaudits]

I never move from 3 to 2, beside any vehicles in 1, just in case. I would have moved in past the lorry, where there is a gap. In past, I had vehicle move out while impatient driver tailgating.

[@waltert9]

Cool video, interesting to see how different it is in the Netherlands... people usually always keep to the right and its funny to see foreigners often not having the same discipline

[@cactusbase3088]

Not from my limited experience driving in the Netherlands. I was shocked by the lack of lane discipline, speeding and amount of aggressive driving I witnessed on their motorways. Really surprised. Is it the Verstappen effect?

[@sherrylawrencelewis2544]

I love motorway driving! I am the only member of my immediate family who does, so I am the designated driver for airport drop-offs/collections, day trips, house removals, weddings booze run to Germany (to buy non-alcoholic wine), uni runs, etc. I am teacher so also get called upon to drive our school minibus. Once the risk assessment paperwork is completed, it is great to enjoy working with our kids in new another environment. In another life, I would have become a long distance coach/lorry driver and drive all over the world. Europe, Australia and the USA. 😊😊😊

[@PhilMacVee]

These are things that go through my mind all the time [and the expletives are well restrained]. I feel that I have [had to] become the arbiter of good driving only in so much that I perpetually risk assess other driver's behaviours. It is hard work driving two or more vehicles but the end result is creating non-events. Fixing the problem leaves me [and my insurer] very happy. Thanks Ashley, thanks so much for your calm counsel and advice.

[@claytonhayward5815]

Exactly - anticipation of what others are going to do, even before they know it themselves, is a big part of motorway driving !

[@inyobill]

If I signal all the time to indicate desired maneuvers, then I don't forget when it's really required. Doesn't hurt. I noticed you leave a bit extra space ahead of you when stopping at lights. I believe there are multiple reasons to do that.

[@smilerbob]

Finally got around to watching after my weekend roadtrip along four of our finest motorways. I can safely say that what was experienced in this video was also experienced this weekend, and all previous trips I have made. We had the lanes 3 and 4 trundling at 30mph with very little traffic in lanes 1 and 2. We had a few cars merge straight into lane 2 from the slip road with nothing in lane 1 for some distance. There was even one that caught me up in lane 2 while I was overtaking at 69mph, sat behind me until I moved to lane 1 and sped off into the distance. A few minutes later I was in lane 3 overtaking a queue of cars in lane 2 where in the middle was the CLODer. I don’t think some people can help it I have heard many excuses for drivers to be in lane 2 only. From “I’ll only have to move out to overtake a lorry further down the road” to “Well people can use lane 3 to overtake me”. When I try to explain to them about traffic flow all I get is “Thats not my problem”. Most of the people that have said this to me are also quick to bemoan those going slower than 70mph in lane 2 and “Holding them up and making their journey time longer”. If only they could see the irony in their own statement / logic One final comment, I agree with you on lane assist technology. My one and only experience was in a hire car driving along the M1 near Luton and the hard shoulder was open to normal traffic flow due to heavy traffic. As the hard shoulder started the car detected the white line and almost snatched the steering wheel out of my grasp and tried to pull the car to the right…where a Ford Transit was passing me. Luckily no contact but I pulled into the next services and disabled that driver assist technology and have done so ever since when hiring a vehicle

[@TheRip72]

I often find myself in lane 1 with about half a mile of clear road in front of me & nothing in lane 2. Then a stream of cars doing 60mph in lane 3 & a few cars in lane 4. I often want to go a little quicker but by working my way into lane 4, I am just adding to the congestion without actually getting much further. My solution is to ease off a bit, which also prevents me from getting frustrated. Then I see someone passing the whole lot in lane 2. It may be wrong but they should not be given a chance to do this in the first place.

[@billyporter1389]

@@TheRip72 Your solution is a reason why we have congestion. You slow down to 60mph, and lane 2 doing exactly as you do makes the whole carraigeway congested.

[@TheRip72]

@@billyporter1389 How wold being one on the few in the least congested lane be the cause of congestion. I stay in lane 1 (I don't think you realised that bit) because it is barely any slower than any other lane

[@billyporter1389]

@@TheRip72 If you want to go a little quicker why can't you just stay in lane 1 and pass those in lane 3. Instead you said you just ease off.

[@TheRip72]

@@billyporter1389 Because they may not be expecting me to be there, which is an open invitation for an accident regardless of who is at fault. Lane 1 is not the right place to be if you want to go faster. I got pulled for that a few years ago by an unmarked police car (there was a Land Rover towing a trailer at 60mph in lane 3) but after being told I would be prosecuted for driving with undue care & attention, nothing further happened. So be very wary about passing on the left.

[@robertmiller4343]

I have adaptive cruise control on my VW Caravelle, I put that on when it seems ok to do it, it is the actual thing that is better than sliced bread. I love it just make sure you are not tired when you put it on.

[@user-mp1br6yh1g]

@8:00 On a motorway, I think only you and perhaps cars behind you can hear your horn. Its like when you put an alarm clock in a bell jar and reduce the air pressure, the sound fades away.

[@jeremyperkins9110]

Great video as always Ashley and this one I wanted to watch in particular as I cover many many miles weekly on dual carriageways and motorways. I tend to set my cruise control at 73 where conditions suit. In many cases this means that only HGV restricted to 56 (or 60 on more modern ones) are the ONLY vehicles travelling slower than me . I expend a lot of energy in all round continual observation, moving over in a timely manner when I see vehicles closing even if they often only move out after they see me come past them as they have no clue "where I've gone" My issue is I often have tailgaters, feel the pressure to move back a lane even though I know my closing speed will bring me behind my next overtake before the tailgater has slowly edged past me. Not yielding however results in all sorts of strange overtaking actions. I must get this a dozen times a day and I never know what is the right strategy; I'm already driving at the legal speed limit, I'm aware of space creation in front of me and I resent muppets who have no idea about space creation tailgating me often in deep conversation on the mobile or with passengers or whatever

[@Bambitheman45]

Beautiful. Simple, easy driving. A few days before last Christmas I drove from Scotland all the way down to West Sussex, so M74, M6, M25 and M23 without leaving lane 1 other than to overtake a lorry. Everything else was stuck in lanes 3 and 4 because of absolutely pisspoor lane discipline. If you're looking and planning motorway driving should be easy.

[@46rrodriguez]

Spot on video. Glad you explained peripheral awareness around the correct checking the mirrors with forward leaning the correct sitting position too. Must see video for all drivers

[@ibs5080]

At around 17:05 good point that under certain conditions, a full shoulder check may not be necessary but just a sideways glance...and mirrors of course. The scenerio at that timestamp was a good example. Namely when you are immediately "following out" another vehicle that's just overtaken you.

[@studiotwo]

The Focus driver at the beginning of the clip knows very well that by staying behind you on the slip road, they can squeeze you out when you get onto the motorway.

[@300769rhys]

Great video Ash, As a HGV driver the standard of Motorway driving is appalling, lane hogging, as someone as already mentioned speeding up when trying to over take them, not using lights when needed, incorrectly using fog lights” they are not rain lights “ the clue is in the name lol, ignoring ❌ . More traffic cops would be self financed 👍👍 keep up the good work great driver Ash👌👌

[@1024sofia]

my favourite series. Helpful video, especially because of the time of day the video was recorded.

[@markplenty2631]

I honestly appreciate your videos! But honestly i would hope that a motorway course could be part of the driving test at some point.

[@Alan_Clark]

I agree that drivers need to be taught how to drive on Motorways, but many people live an hour or more from the nearest motorway so it is hard to see how it could be done.

[@markplenty2631]

@@Alan_Clark well, we cannot fix geography, but it’s seems counterintuitive to ban learners from a motorway only to have a 45 min test only to allow them unrestricted access..

[@VespaT5]

It's not often I'd say you were wrong and really this is just a difference of opinion but when at work behind the wheel of a lorry, when you are catching another lorry and the road is flowing freely, you will and I believe should overtake. You would be surprised just how quickly you lose sight of the lorry you overtook. It's the same when you are the one being overtaken too, they disappear surprisingly quickly. I'd also add that when I'm being overtaken in a lorry by a lorry, I will, after checks, turn the cruise off to let them pass quickly. A few seconds of not going as fast as I can won't affect my journey negatively as much as I can positively affect the other drivers journey.

[@ianmason.]

I wish what you said was true of all "lorry overtakes lorry" situations but I bet everybody is only too familiar with the "lorry overtakes lorry at +0.1 mph differential" scenario that plays itself out on the roads all too often.

[@PedroConejo1939]

@@ianmason. I got stuck behind two side-by-side elephant racers from junction 11 to junction 14 on the M40 one night. I couldn't pass because I was towing and the only reason it ended was because a truck joined lane 1 from the slip road causing the inner elephant to have to slow. That was deeply frustrating for me and a bunch of others who couldn't legally use lane 3.

[@Cream147player]

Great video. One thing that's clear from watching you is that "always thinking" mindset. On the motorway, as with all driving, you need to be switched on at all moments. Motorway driving is in reality some of the easiest driving you'll do, and that makes it easy to lose focus - but of course one mistake on the motorway and you could be in an incredibly serious accident, so it is crucial you maintain focus at all times. By keeping up active observations on the cars around you it keeps your mind on the task at hand.

[@jamesmccann531]

I agree with motorway driving being some of the easiest. Junctions are well warned about in advance, wider lanes, sweeping bends. However, that just means you have to focus on different things. Because most other roads dont have multiple lanes so you need to balance what you are doing with what other vehicles are doing.

[@kentondoeslife]

Amazing video. More of these please. Live commentary for real driving is something new drivers don't have enough of and we don't see. This reassures me about things I do right and things I can improve on!

[@Sukikev]

Great example of how to drive on a motorway. I was an LGV driver and I would back off the throttle when being overtaken slowly. It only needs a drop of a couple of mph to assist the overtaking driver and it makes no difference to my journey time.

[@bofor3948]

Early in the video you mentioned about keeping switched on to who is behind and what is ahead that may change lanes. Keeping your observations going constantly. I have driven in Sweden in the past and used their 'A' roads, that is roads with two lanes in both directions and no central barrier. Drivers use the outer lane until either someone catches them and then they move over to allow an overtake or if someone comes from the other direction they then will both move to the inside lane to give a good sideways passing gap.This also allows traffic to join more easily. It does mean you are always looking and are aware of other vehicles. I quickly adapted to this and found it a comfortable way of driving. Shame our roads are too congested for this to work here. Maybe that white Mercedes driver later in the video was a visiting Swede?

[@wilber3762]

Brilliant video Ashley. I wish everyone would drive like this. I think everyone should be made to watch something like this to see how it’s done.

[@inncubus666]

One thing that came to mind while listening to you here, even if it can be frustrating, I think it's better that people are driving within their capability rather than pushing themselves and making dangerous errors. It'd be nice if everyone put more effort in to learning skills or even if we, as people, were more able to decide against using certain roads (or in other walks of life really too) etc if we're not up to it but that isn't going to happen.

[@HEKVT]

One thing I've noticed is that when driving in Lane 2 or 3, the overtaking lanes, some people like to pull out into that lane right infront of you, despite catching up to them, lorries in particular have been bad for this.

[@kenmilne1816]

Hi Ashley - great motorway lane discipline video. On my wife's GTI Mk8 Golf there is a button at the end of the indicator stalk that, when pressed in, will give a lane assist message to which you have to respond with the 'OK' button on the right hand side 'cluster' of the steering wheel to take the lane assist off. When you want it back on then follow the same steps and the 'OK' button will set it back on again - with a 'tick' as confirmation. This method only works for the duration of each journey after which the software will revert back to the default of 'ON'. hope this helps.

[@ashley_neal]

I'm familiar with this shortcut to take off Lane Keep Assist, but as you say it reverts back to on every time you recycle the ignition. However, I recently found a way to stop this from happening and now my car remembers and maintains its last setting! Keep tuned in as there is a video to follow soon.

[@Killer_whale2000]

thank you very much for the video , learnt a lot about what to do to maintain flow of the traffic and keeping myself safe from the risk.

[@ibs5080]

At around 47:25, curious to ask about your lane assist: 1. Does it not cancel temporarily whilst you're indicating? 2. I assume you can turn the feature off permanently 3. Although you only mentioned it at the end of this video, was the lane assist equally annoying throughout this whole video? You made many lane changes during that 48 mins.

[@ibs5080]

Your lane changes are nice and gradual, something I also try to practice.

[@rufusgreenleaf2466]

A very late reply (just trying to catch up on some of Ashley's videos) but it's something i practice too. I even enjoy moving back into lane 2 from 3 so the roaring vehicle behind can overtake at lightning speed. I don't get angry over it i just like to help flow. Even if i need to pull back into lane 3 in a moment. Just to let speed freaks passed so i can get on with my day. Then when they are gone, i happily check and pull back into lane 3.

[@rufusgreenleaf2466]

*Edit:* 👆 Not to give the impression that i like to stay in lane 3, but if i have safe distance and time to just pop back into lane 2 for a moment to let Mr 90mph passed then that's what i'll do. If i'm too close and need to continue the overtake then they'll have to slow down. I'd just rather have pressure bandits away from me rather than kiss my bumper. This is in an overtaking scenario, if it's clear to move back to lane 1 then i'll of course do that. 😢 I'm bad at explaining things 😔

[@radiogreenduck]

Nice you leave your change from lane 3 to 2, after overtaking a wagon in lane 1, until you are level, or just past the cab. So many drivers change from 3 to 2 before passing the wagon and drive into the wagon's blind spot.

[@ibs5080]

At around 9:58 good point about advisory vs. mandatory speed limit. I've also had occasions where I considered it appropriate / prudent to over rule an advisory limit.

[@Moby41]

Dude I could watch these type of videos of yours for hours. Do hope we see more of these in the near future.

[@rhyscaryl1573]

Thanks for the video Ash! Just passed my test and about to head out on a 4hr journey next week - so this video is a good tool to know thought processes during busy motorways. What advice could you give to someone like me before a long journey utilising busy motorways and roundabouts, such as those close to airports?

[@ibs5080]

One thing I aim to do with my driving and it comes through with Ashley's driving here too: Although I put a great deal of thought into my driving, i try to make it look very effortless and easy to a passenger. That includes doing pre trip homework on directions and even lane configurations if it's a new route. And although I may be concentrating hard, I try not to make it look that way. It's more impressive that way too.

[@JohnnyPaton]

I'm a taxi driver and that's exactly how I want my passengers to perceive my driving. In turn it would hopefully make them feel relaxed and at ease with my driving.

[@ibs5080]

@@JohnnyPaton Good on you for taking that approach.

[@ekus6196]

Excellent video . Fully concur with your driving style - just how I would do it . I have always trusted my peripheral vision but lately been made to realise that I have blind spots . We all have natural blind spots, but I have just been diagnosed with glaucoma and now know that I have additional blind spots caused by this condition . I had to to notify the DVLA and made to attend an eye test specifically to satisfy DVLA requirements . It is a bit scary , because one doesn't actually know where one's blind spots are . Just a thing to be aware of . For the record, I am 74 years of age .

[@jimg492]

Excellent vid Ash! What is your opinion on tap the indicator stalk for 3 flashes, adequate?

[@MajorKlanga]

When talking about lane discipline, it's important to remind people that it is dangerous to cut back into a left hand lane immediately after overtaking another vehicle as you are basically turning that vehicle into a tailgate. Please leave a few seconds before doing so.

[@ibs5080]

At around 1:48, good point about sometimes you need to change lanes with less than two seconds between you and the car that just passed you in the lane you want to be in. If traffic is heavy, it may be the only way to change lanes. But as you also added, grow the gap thereafter.

[@David_Addison]

Outstanding video, Ashley. I've forwarded it to my wife who's new to motorway driving.

[@bennash6808]

Its like you have been in my car when I drive on motorways. You have vocalised exactly what I have said/thought for many years. The vehicles who just stay in the middle are even more of an issue when I'm towing and they rush to get the overtake in and then block me from overtaking. Ghe standard of British driving is poor and getting worse. I would love to know your thoughts on drivers having to requalify every 10 years when they have to renew their photocard driving licences?

[@lesjones471]

Speed limiter on trucks is 56mph,trucks are allowed to go upto 60mph with the limiter still engaged,example going down hills with a heavy load.It's a good gauge on flat roads if you do not have a satnav to be behind a truck and notice your speedo which will be reading a greater speed about 3mph.

[@alanmuncaster7357]

I do most of my motorway driving in France and have to say the lane discipline there and indeed most of Europe is so much better than here in the UK. On our 4 lane "smart" motorways lane discipline is even worse and more like the Freeways in the USA. Great video Ashley.

[@peterthompson9854]

Watched the whole video before commenting. Lots of useful stuff. One thing to take away is the monitoring of vehicles closing in on those in front. Most of the time you will know when a lane change is coming. I think many road users could improve on this. Most of the actions you did, I’d have done myself, but I think you caused a problem holding back for the EMR truck joining the M6. It was too much, you should have passed. This put the black in a bad position, then you blamed them for being pushy. You limited their space, they were being pressured by white behind, but they very quickly grow it again. All down to you not moving past the truck. I also think the situation at around 26 mins was predictable too with the Nissan. Traffic on the right was slowing so everything was bunching. Don’t think the Nissan did too much wrong. Some confusing contradictions throughout, but I don’t think anyone could commentate a drive for 48 minutes without contradiction.

[@matthorner35]

Anyone else hearing Ashley's voice in their head now while driving? Did my first super long motorway journey last week, I think my safety hugely outweighed my mistakes (there were one or two though and then scolded myself in Ashley's voice)

[@ShaimingLong]

I don't drive and I also have his voice as my reasonable inner critic of how people drive. I absolutely have phrases like "You probably could have done that a little better." in my head far more than my own voice complaining about someone driving poorly.

[@rufusgreenleaf2466]

When ever i'm coming to a situation when driving that confuses me a little i sometimes think, "What would Ashley do". Then suddenly his voice pops into my head like he's sitting in the passenger seat.

[@leow_se]

Excellent video! Been watching your videos since learning to drive and now 4 years full licensed without any incident. Many thanks for that! One suggestion for these videos is that you could mirror the image from the rear dashcam so that it will work like a real centre mirror.

[@sakram1370]

I spend too long trundling up and down the motorway networks in my job role. Main Frustrations: 1) Drivers who can’t gauge joining the network. 2) Lane hoggers, usually lane 2, if the road is clear they’ll go as fast as they can but if a lorry or anything else going slow blocks their path they sit behind until it is clear again. 3) Drivers who speed up as you are passing, option is to go slightly faster to pass them or to ease off and pull in behind, in either case they will slow down again as soon as you have made a decision. 4) Drivers who don’t read the signs and plan which lane they need to be in, most cases drivers have at least 1 mile notice. 5) Drivers who join the network and aim straight for lane 2, even if they haven’t built their speed to anywhere near 70mph 6) Drivers who constantly switch lanes in heavy traffic, often causing others to brake which causes further knock on slow downs.

[@ibs5080]

At around 35:15, I commented on this earlier for this video but totally agree that each lane change should be separate, with a cancellation of indicator in between and back on again for the second lane change. I see drivers leave their indicator on plus carry out one sweeping lane change across multiple lanes.

[@LeDoucheBouche]

The thing I found most surprising is how few people drove past whilst you were going at or near the speed limit. I find on sections of road that have roadworks and temporary speed limits, or even open motorway that when I go at the limit on the road I'm being overtaken. Presumably these people doing the overtaking are the same people who tailgate on single A roads. Cars have the technology now to warn about stopping distances and I think tailgating should have more of a priority in roads policing. In my opinion, it's as risky as using your phone in traffic but way more dangerous. Incidentally I saved about 15 quid by using your discount code on my new dashcam, an A139. I'm looking forward to sending you some footage once it's fitted correctly. My first try it was a bit squinty.

[@ibs5080]

At around 27:15 good point about if you are going to move back in, make sure no one is going to move out into the same lane. I've delayed lane changes for this very reason. As a general principle it's important to be aware of what's happening in all lanes as it can have a domino effect and affect you. Avoid having tunnel vision.

[@ibs5080]

At around 27:52 a nice touch to give positive credit by naming the company for a good manoeuvre. Hope those other two companies from your previous HGV videos are taking note!

[@jamoco1]

Acceleration sence, On our driving course, of you touched the brakes on the motorway you got a slap round the head, or had to buy the instructor a coffe.

[@wrightwoodwork]

A lot of this driving style is what I do on a motorway. The only thing I would struggle with is the commentating. I drive a van and something I do for the blind spot is actually count. So I know someone is coming and if they haven't come past after 2 or 3 seconds I will glance and look . If I still can't see them but i know they are thier I will move my head forward or lean to get a different mirror angle to find them. Another thing I do is something I've learned from cycling when doing chain gangs is if in heavy fast traffic and want to change lanes. Slow down then accelerate slightly and slot straight onto the car that's went past you do when the driver has just gone past . It means you are at the front of the gap the car behind doesn't need to brake hard I then ease and let the gap grow. It means no panic happens. If you have ever raced a bike in a bunch with everybody 5cm off your wheels your main goal is too keep everybody relaxed as much as possible so hitting the brakes sudden movements. You do by be smooth looking as far ahead as you can see it's no use watching the rider in front. Many of the principles can still be applied when driving the only difference is you're not as tight packed .

[@ShaimingLong]

I've always been in awe at how professional cyclists can be so bunched up, even around corners and rarely does anything bad happen. The ability to match each other's speed and turning circles must take an incredible level of trust and understanding of each other's movements.

[@wrightwoodwork]

@ShaimingLong a lot of it is communication. I'm in no way a professional. I've done for almost 20 years and I still get nervous. The one thing you do is make sure your front wheel is in a safe bubble as much as possible. For corners or tight turns you basically draw a serious of imaginary lines . Then basically follow the line around. The same principles can be applied on roundabout in holding a line. Say its a basic 4 layout but on entry there is 3 entry lines on. So left lane you can go left or straight. Middle is straight right for right. Its not uncommon for person to the left of you to straight line and squeeze the person to the right as they simply don't think of the drivers line either side. Where truthfully everybody should be able to enter the same time and navigate without crashing but it requires everybody to hold thier correct line. There is tell tale signs you can pick up like people's line on. The one I see on video of exiting roundabouts get what I believe to wrong, especially in heavy traffic is when their is 2 lines off the roundabout the learner will be on the right of the 2 lines and will exit off on the left side. Where exiting of in the right would be safer. Then move back to the left lane once completed and up the road. When riding in a bunch you don't want the lines coming together. The same when driving and doing roundabout with people using both lanes say on a roundabout where both the left and right lane both go right. Its vital that the person on the right exits off on the right its dangerous to cut across to the left. So what if the traffic on the left is passing. Traffic passing on the inside is far safer than moving over when the potential of someone could be in the blindspot. For people that struggle to move right or change lanes. The problem really is not looking far enough back in their mirrors. When I cycle and say its 2 lanes onto a roundabout and I want to go right. When I get to roundabout I want to be in the right lane for going right so I need to be planning how I'm going to move right , without putting myself in danger or even people driving in danger. I obviously can't cycle at 50mph but the people driving will be slowing to around 30mph. So i can use people slowing to my advantage. I will be looking back getting people to come past quickly so I can create a bigger gap . I will also be increasing speed to 25 mph or 30. Basically I'm trying to match the speed of the traffic as much as possible which then allows me to get in the right hand lane. It then means that every driver coming upto the roundabout around me knows what I'm doing. You might get the odd person closing the gap. The person behind will usually assist in holding the cars back then I can be in the right lane maybe 30 to 50m away Nobody is held up as I've matched the speed of the traffic entering the roundabout. The same principles still apply when driving simply planning not leaving to last moment to start planning that doesn't mean doing too soon and matching people speed . If people drive with a second to 2 second gap it is possible to move over a second gap say for road works. It does require being super aware of what's happening. Being really good at changing speeds to match the traffic and also having the ability to be sensible and if the car behind adamant about closing the gap let them as they will have most likely increased the gap behind and if they have I actually slow down so the car behind can't close the gap then accelerate basically towards the rear of Mr must get in front. At this point it's simply let the gap grow in front the car behind will only need to brush of speed. It's not what you would teach a learner to join a car a meter off at 70 mph and you have to be super switched on aware of what everybody is doing and potentially going to do. So if it possible to change lanes on a bike that you can legally cycle on it definitely possible in a car.

[@frazermountford]

Thank you, great video. I live 2 hours from the nearest motorway so its good to recap. I also like your exhaust note

[@stationcolossus]

At around 5:30 when you said you were getting up to 70, it honestly looked and sounded faster, so I went ahead and checked by measuring the distance between lines and the time it took you, and I can tell you it was 70mph on the dot. Good stuff.

[@TestGearJunkie.]

I do detest 'smart' motorways, they can and have caused fatalities due to the lack of places to stop in an emergency. There was a case a while ago on the approach to Spaghetti Junction on the M6 where a family broke down and had absolutely nowhere to go due to the fact they were on an elevated section. They were wiped out by a lorry within a minute of stopping. Never mind not creating any more, they should revert the ones they have done to normal motorways with a hard shoulder. Also, how are the emergency services supposed to get to an incident like this..? Oh yes, really enjoying using the T130 since I got it.

[@eddyrourke5514]

I shouldn't be watching this in my spare time really as I spend so much of my time on motorways trundling along at 56mph, but it is refreshing seeing a good driver using the accelerator pedal to navigate traffic and especially HGV's .....so many don't and are totally unaware of a HGV's limitations in vision and ability to change speed quickly. 'Most' HGV drivers are keeping the car drivers safe by correcting their mistakes, if they didn't there would be carnage and a lot of funerals. Respect the HGV's and don't have that "must beat the HGV" mindset.

[@ibs5080]

At around 6:25, you've confirmed for me the good practice that if you are carrying out two manoeuvres in the same direction in quick succession, to break them down into two distinct manoeuvres (with two distinct observations as well). In particular, cancel signal after the first manoeuvre and reapply it for the second manoeuvre. As opposed to leaving signal on to cover both manoeuvres. In this case, it was two lane changes to the left and I noticed you cancelled after the first lane change and reapplied for the second one. This leaves others no doubt or misunderstanding that you might simply have forgotten to cancel after the first lane change.

[@ibs5080]

At around 20:05, a quick look down onto the new motorway you are about to join whilst you are on a bridge above it. I do exactly that. Similarly when I'm on a roundabout above a motorway. In fact, it has on occasion saved me from joining a jammed up motorway and taken an alternate route. Obviously that wasn't an option in this video but still good to take a preview look to get an idea of traffic before you join.

[@tduncan4875]

Great video, I drive all round the uk, us and Europe and I find the south of England, south A1(m) and Southern reaches of M1 some of the most difficult stretches of road. the differential of speed between the inside lane and outside lane is difficult to manage.

[@kevinbarker3366]

Always important to be the "manager ". Don't let other drivers "manage" you!

[@Badger-w8u]

Ashley , there is a staggering amount of drivers who do not know what lane discipline is . Roundabouts are the worst . I look at where the tarmac has a line on the island and follow it round , while others almost try to overtake me , as they cut across the island . My car share mate Rob , drives straight over the white painted mini island , as I cringe . Some islands are marked badly .

[@ibs5080]

Having now watched the entire video, I think you signalled every single lane change, both right and left! Chris in NY would be very happy. I think you're ready for an American passport now...and of course a Canadian one! Speaking of which, I'm in the process of renewing mine. Anyhow, fantastic video! 🇨🇦🇬🇧🇺🇲

[@davidmacbook]

brilliant video Ash

[@sw8296]

My current motorway bug bear is the people that can't tell the difference between an exit slip road from lane 1, and an exit where lane 1 itself peels off from the main carriageway. Consistently seeing people needlessly moving out from lane 1 to lane 2. Happens a lot on M27.

[@iallso1]

On the motorway today I was in the left lane with a white Subaru sitting 2 car lengths behind in the next lane, both doing the speed limit. Suddenly as we were approaching the point where the two motorways merge the Subaru sped past then slowed back to the speed limit 2 car lengths forward of me. I was aware that with traffic coming in larger numbers from my left as we merged, that I may need to move to my right. The Subaru wasn't pulling ahead so I eased off briefly to grow the gap. Ironically once the motorways had merged the Subaru moved left and slowed about 10kmph, but then didn't pull off at the next exit. At that point the motorway returned to two lanes and I moved back to the left lane.

[@alasdairmacleod8420]

Add the lane 3 trundlers, basically you have to be prepared to treat motorways these days as if you are driving on the continent or the USA. Especially the I have a nice car and doing the speed limit idiots who think by driving in lane 3 with clear lanes for miles in 1 & 2 this prevents you from overtaking them as you shouldn't be speeding anyway. That and I at least a third of people on the roads don't have a licence. Time the police did more than enforce what their cameras tell them to do.

[@michaelhope8899]

Great video as always. An idea for the bank may be to show what to do on a 'smart' motorway when everyone is in lanes 3 and 4? Do we stay in those lanes like sheep, encourage people to use the other lanes or undertake? I'm not saying any of those are the right answers, they're all purely metaphorical

[@ibs5080]

At around 41:47 re signalling and that "It should be a given that you are coming back in". The issue is, how do other drivers know you are in fact going to do the "given" thing of moving back in or whether you are going to lane hog? And even if you are going to do the "given" thing, without a signal, other drivers won't know exactly when you will come back in. Is it "now" or another 3 seconds, 5 seconds etc?

[@QiuEnnan]

Lane discipline in the UK seems heavenly compared to Hong Kong. There drivers make almost no attempt to move back into lane 1 (or even lane 2) despite signs requiring drivers to ‘keep left unless overtaking’. There are right-lane hoggers everywhere and it’s illegal to undertake them on the motorway. 😭

[@formicapple2]

Thanks for the post. Great reminder for me on motorways driving.

[@nigelleyland166]

I find square gears in my box too from time to time too ashley....! Pet hate with rollies, will not back off just a tad and let the overtaking lorry get it, despite the fact that as soon as that overtaking lorry gets infront of them breaking the air resistance, they will be going as fast as the overtaking lorry is going, ergo will be travelling faster than they would have been! I do it all the time, in my old landrover just back off and flash them in, I travel just as fast and use less fuel, the bigger your rig the bigger the advantage!

[@ibs5080]

One additional feature I feel would be useful for educational purposes in these videos Ash is having your speed displayed. Many (most?) dash cams display gps speed anyway.

[@ibs5080]

Greetings from the annual classic car show in Deal / Walmer in Kent. Beautiful setting on the seafront. Will watch this video later with huge interest re lane discipline. Encountered some terrible lane discipline on the M25 two days ago on a return journey Canterbury to Heathrow. Good to see another "How to drive like a driving instructor" video Ash. It's been a while. Anyhow will watch when I get home after the car show and comment.

[@laceandwhisky]

You mean you parked on the biggest car park in the south the M25 then had to endure M2 I feel for you I think those are the worse motorways in the country no one cares left of you or right of you.😊 Enjoy the custom classic show used to go to it.

[@ricequackers]

This video is the main reason that much of my motorway driving (at a slightly brisk 75-80mph) happens in lane 3 - I'm invariably passing a procession of cars sitting at 60mph in lane 2. It's made extra annoying and/or amusing when they then speed up as I overtake them, realise I'm going faster than they're comfortable with, then drop back to their previous speed. I think the biggest problem is that motorway driving isn't actually on the test at all, and until fairly recently didn't even feature in driving lessons. There's lots of people out there who've been using them wrong their entire life and don't realise the problem.

[@bensonandaga]

hello . i just subscribed to your channel . I am about to take my second Adi part 1 test , i failed hazard perception by 2 points ..I am practicing towards Adi part2 with ORDIT trainer and i practice myself ..its so hard to correct bad habits

[@ibs5080]

At around 28:56 re "Doing exactly 70 mph". Just curious to ask if you are basing your speed on car speedometer or gps based speed? I know accuracy varies for every vehicle but as an example, on my car, 70 mph via gps speedo is around 75 mph on the cars speedo. It therefore follows that an indicated 70 mph on my car's speedo will be somewhat less in reality. Update: I see later on in the video, you went into specifics for your car in this regard.

[@ibs5080]

At around 11:55, under the same traffic pattern and with no one behind to hold up, had it been raining, i would have delayed my return to Lane 2 until I was past the lorry in Lane 1. Reason being, to avoid the spray from the HGV in Lane 1. As it was, it was dry conditions here but I'd still be cautious.

[@mx-ze8ml]

Hi Ashley, thanks for your great videos, love your channel! Is there any way you could do a video or even a series about trailers and towing? Greetings from Switzerland!

[@ashley_neal]

It's on the agenda!

[@laceandwhisky]

​@@ashley_nealhopefully add load distribution I see so many trailers dancing or swerving cos of it.

[@mx-ze8ml]

@@ashley_neal Thanks so much, looking forward to it! 😊 Best, Max

[@mx-ze8ml]

@@ashley_neal Also, you once mentionned doing a road trip to continental Europe, that would also be cool!

[@Certago]

Just came back from 2 weeks of road trip across Europe, lots of driving in Germany and it is such a different experience there. Your videos are fantastic for viewers of all skill levels and I'm always trying to apply your advice on the road. Has kept my family safe in different cars on various roads across 4 countries and through some tricky situations. Thank you Ashley!

[@ProgRock_]

Same, came back from the Netherlands yesterday and as soon as I got back to the UK I hated the three hours of driving I had to do to get home

[@SlimTortoise]

I watched as I live in France and have not been back to the UK in many years, I'm due to go to the UK in two months time (by car) and wanted to see how the traffic was and of course remind myself that it's best to drive on the left, The traffic levels is something I'm not looking forward too.

[@PedroConejo1939]

Even though I know what to expect, I find driving on most continental motorways can be quite daunting at first after an extended time driving in the UK. Largely in Europe, the slower car will wait for the faster car to pass before pulling out (largely), but in the UK the attitude seems to be 'I'll just be slowing your progress for you there, pal'. Passive-aggressive is the best description I've read of UK motorway driving. Usual caveat: it's not everyone, either in the UK or EU. There are lots of decent drivers in the UK but just so many with a bad attitude as well.