Motorway Driving Tips for Motorcyclists
Planning to ride on the motorway in the UK for the first time? Follow the advice in this guide to ensure you’re appropriately prepared and know what to do to keep yourself and others safe.
1. Preparing for the motorway
First and foremost, you must check your licence category and make sure you can legally use motorways. Completing Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) or obtaining an AM licence doesn’t qualify you for motorway riding, for example. You’ll need to secure a full A1, A2 or A licence, via progressive our direct routes.
You must be riding a suitable bike to use the motorway, too. 125cc motorcycles reaching top speeds of around 60mph or more powerful models are required. Remember to conduct safety checks before you set off to ensure your tyres, brakes, lights and mirrors are in working order.
Before you start your journey, check the weather and consider any potential challenges the conditions may pose, like slippery road surfaces, strong winds and poor visibility. Plan alternative routes in case the motorway proves too demanding and look for suitable stops where you can rest and refuel.
2. Riding recommendations
With everyone moving at speed, riding with the right technique is key to keeping yourself and others safe when on the motorway.
Stay in the left lane unless overtaking but be careful of riding in the blind spot of larger vehicles like lorries. This will help you remain visible and ride at a steadier speed, making you less vulnerable to accidents. Only overtake when it is safe to do so, using the MSS shoulder check manoeuvre before changing lanes.
When merging, use the slip road to match the speed of the vehicles already on the motorway. When exiting, signal early to give advance warning of your intentions.
3. Staying safe on the road
As recently as 2023, almost 5,500 motorcyclists were seriously injured in Great Britain, with a further 315 fatalities. Riding at speed increases the risk of accidents and makes them more severe should they occur, so it’s important to prioritise safety when on the motorway.
Make yourself more visible with fluorescent markings on your gear, especially if riding after dark, and deliberately choose positions where you can be seen. Invest in a quality helmet, jacket, gloves and boots to protect against injuries from impact, the weather or debris from the road.
Even if you take all necessary precautions, accidents can occur. In these cases, you should pull over safely (if possible) and put on your hazard lights, and ring the emergency services if there are injuries to be checked or dangers to others. Remember that you have the option to investigate motorcycle accident claims for financial compensation if the incident wasn’t your fault.
4. Dealing with hazards
One of the best ways to protect yourself against accidents is to plan ahead and prepare for anything. Knowing how to deal with hazards when they appear can make all the difference in keeping you and others safe on the motorway.
Weather is unpredictable. In one journey, you can be challenged by low blinding sunlight, heavy rain and freezing temperatures. Remember that slippery surfaces increase stopping distances and leave extra room between you and the vehicle ahead of you in wet and cold conditions. When strong crosswinds crop up, try to stay relaxed with a looser grip on the handlebars and steer into the wind by applying pressure on the handlebar on the side the wind is coming from.
Ride defensively at all times, looking ahead to anticipate potential dangers so you have the maximum amount of time to react. If you ever feel overwhelmed, such as by the volume of traffic, safely exit the motorway and find an alternative route.
