Freeways and motorways

By the end of this topic you can

• You can join a freeway by matching speed on the on-ramp and merging smoothly.
• You can keep left and use lanes correctly.
• You can plan and take an exit early and safely.
• You can deal with a breakdown on a freeway.

What you need to know and understand

• On an on-ramp, build up speed to match freeway traffic and give way to vehicles already on the freeway when your lane ends.
• Keep left unless overtaking; many freeways have keep left unless overtaking signs.
• Never stop, reverse or make a U-turn on a freeway; if you miss an exit, take the next one.
• Electronic signs over the lanes can show changing speed limits and lane closures, and these must be obeyed.
• Learner speed caps vary by state: for example NSW learners must not exceed 90 km/h even where the limit is higher, so check your own state's learner rules.
• In NSW bicycles may use motorways unless a sign bans them, so watch for cyclists on the shoulder.

Joining from the on-ramp

Do not stop at the end of an on-ramp unless traffic forces you to; joining at low speed is dangerous. Some ramps have metering signals: you must stop at a red signal, and each green lets one vehicle per lane onto the freeway.

1. Check the freeway traffic early as you drive down the ramp.
2. Signal right and accelerate to match the speed of traffic.
3. Find a gap, check mirrors and do a head check.
4. Merge smoothly, giving way to traffic already on the freeway.
5. Cancel your signal and settle into a safe following distance.

Leaving the freeway

• Read exit signs early and move into the left lane well before the exit.
• Signal left and move into the exit lane without slowing on the freeway itself.
• Slow down on the off-ramp, watching for queues and the advisory speed.
• Check your speedometer, as the speed you are used to will feel slow.

If you break down

Signal and move as far left as possible onto the shoulder or an emergency stopping bay, and turn on hazard lights. If it is safe, get everyone out on the side away from traffic and wait behind the safety barrier. Call for help using a phone or the emergency phones where they are provided.

Common mistakes

• Entering the freeway too slowly and forcing traffic to brake.
• Sitting in the right lane when not overtaking.
• Cutting across several lanes at the last moment to reach an exit.
• Ignoring overhead variable speed or lane closed signs.

Test yourself: Freeways and motorways

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Learners on Motorways and Freeways in Australia