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Difficulty: EasyLeaving the Motorway

You are travelling at 70 mph in the left-hand lane of a motorway and plan to leave at the upcoming junction. At what point should you begin to reduce your speed?

  1. A
    On the main carriageway as soon as you see the 300-yard countdown marker
  2. After you have moved onto the exit slip road (deceleration lane)Answer
  3. C
    As soon as you switch on your left-turn indicator on the main carriageway
  4. D
    In the middle lane before crossing over to the exit slip road

Answer

You should begin to reduce your speed only after you have moved onto the exit slip road (deceleration lane).
According to Highway Code Rule 272, drivers should maintain their normal cruising speed on the main carriageway and only decelerate once they have entered the exit slip road. The slip road is specifically designed to give adequate distance for vehicles to slow down safely without creating a hazard for high-speed motorway traffic behind.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Position your vehicle in the left-hand lane well before the exit and signal left in good time.
You clearly communicate your intention to leave without disrupting the flow of traffic.
Highway Code Rule 272 requires drivers to move into the left-hand lane well before the exit junction.
2
Maintain normal cruising speed on the main carriageway past the countdown markers until filtering onto the slip road.
Vehicles following behind on the motorway are not forced to brake abruptly.
Braking on a high-speed live lane creates a severe collision risk and causes traffic flow disruption.
3
Apply the brakes and adjust down to the lower speed limit once safely within the deceleration lane.
Your speed is reduced safely before reaching the junction roundabout or connecting road.
The slip road is designed specifically as a deceleration zone.

Key Concept

Motorway Exit Deceleration and Speed Management (Highway Code Rule 272)
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Leaving the Motorway

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