Driving Lessons Thatcham – Isabelle Mathias

Congratulation Isabelle Mathias on a great first time, manual driving test, pass at Newbury test centre with your instructor Cathy. Thank you too for your review:

“I can’t recommend Cathy highly enough. When I started, I never imagined I’d pass my test on the first try. I’m a nervous driver and was very reluctant to get behind the wheel. Cathy was exactly the instructor I needed. She is incredibly patient and has a great sense of humour that immediately made me feel more comfortable and confident. She always took the time to explain things clearly and never made me feel silly for needing to recap the same thing over and over. Cathy joked it was her ‘pre-test banana’ advice that got me the pass, but it was definitely her expert instructing. Thank you so much for your guidance and support!😄”

For many learners, the idea of driving on a motorway can feel intimidating. High speeds, multiple lanes and fast moving traffic can seem overwhelming, especially when compared with town or rural driving. However, motorway driving is an important skill, and learners in England are now allowed to drive on motorways under specific conditions, helping them gain valuable experience before qualifying.

Learners may drive on motorways provided they are accompanied by an Approved Driving Instructor in a dual-controlled car and display L plates. This change was introduced to improve safety and confidence, as newly qualified drivers were previously allowed on motorways with no formal training. Learning in a structured environment allows motorway skills to be developed gradually and safely.

One of the key areas learners focus on is joining the motorway safely. This involves using slip roads correctly, building speed to match the flow of traffic and selecting a safe gap to merge. Good observation, effective mirror checks and timely signalling are essential. Learners also practise lane discipline, understanding when to keep left, when to overtake and how to return to the correct lane without disrupting other drivers.

Maintaining safe distances is another crucial skill. At higher speeds, stopping distances increase significantly, so learners are taught to leave larger gaps between vehicles and to plan well ahead. Anticipation plays a major role, particularly when approaching congestion, roadworks or incidents.

Motorway driving also helps learners understand speed awareness and vehicle control at higher speeds. Maintaining a steady speed, using cruise control where appropriate and responding to variable speed limits are all valuable skills. Learners are also introduced to smart motorway features such as gantries, lane signals and red X warnings.

Perhaps most importantly, learning on motorways builds confidence. With professional guidance, learners discover that motorway driving is often more predictable than urban driving, with fewer junctions and pedestrians to contend with. This experience reduces anxiety and prepares drivers for independent driving after the test.

In summary, allowing learners to drive on motorways under supervision provides essential experience in a controlled, safe way. It improves confidence, promotes safer habits and ensures new drivers are better prepared for real-world driving once qualified.