Examkin

Question

Difficulty: MediumJoining the Motorway

You are travelling down an entry slip road to join a motorway. As you match your speed in the acceleration lane, a large goods vehicle is approaching in the left-hand lane and flashes its headlights. What is the safest course of action?

  1. A
    Assume the flashing headlights mean priority is being conceded to you and accelerate to pull out directly in front of the vehicle
  2. Give way to traffic on the main carriageway, check your right blind spot, and adjust your speed to merge into a safe, clear gapAnswer
  3. C
    Steer promptly into the space alongside the cab of the lorry while checking only your exterior wing mirror
  4. D
    Merge immediately into the left-hand lane without looking over your right shoulder, relying entirely on your interior rear-view mirror

Answer

Give way to traffic on the main carriageway, check your right blind spot, and adjust your speed to merge into a safe, clear gap
According to Highway Code Rule 259, traffic already on the motorway has priority. When joining from a slip road, you must adjust your speed to fit safely into traffic in the left-hand lane, check your mirrors and blind spot over your right shoulder, and yield if a safe gap is not immediately available.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Assess the flow and positioning of vehicles on the main carriageway while matching speed in the acceleration lane.
Identifies that traffic already on the motorway has priority under Highway Code Rule 259.
Joining traffic must give priority to vehicles already on the main carriageway rather than forcing an entry.
2
Interpret the flashing headlights appropriately and perform comprehensive mirror and blind spot checks.
Acknowledges the presence of the other vehicle without assuming right of way, ensuring the over-the-shoulder area is clear.
Headlight flashes only signal presence, and physical shoulder checks are necessary to clear the vehicle's blind spots before merging.
3
Adjust acceleration smoothly to merge into a safe opening behind or ahead of existing traffic without causing them to brake.
Completes a safe and legal merge into the left-hand lane.
Ensures seamless integration into the traffic flow while maintaining safe separation distances.

Key Concept

Motorway Joining Priority and Observation Protocol (Highway Code Rule 259)
Estimated Time:45s
Rate this question

Topics

Joining the Motorway

More questions from this topic