You’ll likely drive on Sydney motorways as a learner or P-plater. Roads like the Westlink M7, Eastern Distributor, and Sydney Harbour Bridge can feel intimidating for new drivers.
So, how can you drive safely on Sydney motorways? Here are a few top tips from LTrent Driving School – follow them, and make sure you drive safely.
Tips For Safe Driving On Sydney Motorways
1. Obey Posted Speed Limits At All Times
As a new driver, it’s important not to exceed the speed limit. Not only is exceeding the speed limit illegal, but it also means you have less time to react to obstacles and unexpected situations on the road. Stay near or slightly below the speed limit at all times.
It’s also important not to drive too slowly. NSW road rules prohibit driving at an ‘abnormally slow’ speed that causes obstruction.
If you are unsure whether learner drivers are allowed to drive on motorways, it is important to understand the rules before you start practising. Read our guide on can a learner driver go on the motorway to learn the motorway rules for learner drivers in NSW.
2. Stay Left Unless Overtaking
As a rule, you should stay in the left lane of the motorway unless you are overtaking. This helps ensure a steady flow of traffic. After passing any other vehicle, you must return to the left lane.
In a three (or more) lane road, you may use the middle lane or right lane to pass. Still, you should move back to the left-most lane after overtaking and reaching your desired speed.
3. Practice Merging Properly
Merging into high-speed motorway traffic can be intimidating for new drivers, but it’s an essential skill. You will usually merge from a road on the left. Look for a gap, match the speed of traffic, and merge smoothly. This YouTube video is a helpful resource if you want to learn how to merge safely.
Before driving on a motorway for the first time, it is important to understand merging, lane positioning and speed limits. Read our guide on what you need to know before driving on the highway to make sure you are prepared for motorway driving.
4. Know How To Use The Emergency Lane
The left-most lane or shoulder on most Sydney motorways is not marked for regular travel. Instead, this is the “emergency” or “breakdown” lane. If you’ve been involved in an accident, your car has broken down, or you absolutely must stop on the road for some other serious emergency – such as a passenger suffering a medical issue – you can use the emergency lane.
You should pull into the emergency lane, breakdown lane, or shoulder of the road. Then, stop your vehicle and contact the relevant emergency or breakdown assistance services. Don’t get out of your car, if possible. It’s very dangerous to be outside your vehicle on a high-speed Sydney motorway.
5. Sign Up For Linkt In Sydney For Easier Use Of Sydney Toll Roads
To avoid stopping to pay tolls, consider signing up with Linkt Sydney for automatic payments.
Either way, you’ll automatically pay tolls – and you won’t have to worry about stopping to pay tolls while driving on Sydney motorways.
Motorway and highway driving requires good observation, safe following distances and smooth lane changes. For more advice, read our highway driving safety tips for practical tips to help learner drivers stay safe at higher speeds.
Follow These Tips – Stay Safe On Sydney Motorways!
Practising these tips will help you feel more confident driving on Sydney motorways. If you’d like extra guidance, explore our driving lesson options or the Safer Drivers Course.
