Redhill and Horley sit right beside two of the UK’s busiest motorways, the M25 and the M23. Sooner or later, most local drivers need them for commuting, trips into London or getting to Gatwick Airport. Yet many people pass their test without ever driving on a motorway. Motorway driving lessons with Drive Wisely help you handle high-speed roads safely, calmly and with real confidence.
Since June 2018, learner drivers in England have been allowed to take motorway lessons with an approved driving instructor in a dual-control car. That means you can build motorway skills before your test, or straight after you pass.
Who are motorway driving lessons for?
- Learner drivers who want real motorway experience before they pass.
- Newly qualified drivers who passed recently but have never joined a motorway alone.
- Nervous drivers who avoid the M25 or M23 and take long detours instead.
- Experienced drivers looking for an advanced driving lesson to sharpen high-speed skills.
- Drivers returning after a break who want to feel safe on fast roads again.
What you’ll practise on a motorway lesson
- Joining the motorway: using the slip road to match traffic speed, checking mirrors and blind spots, and merging smoothly.
- Lane discipline: keeping to the left lane, overtaking correctly and returning safely.
- Smart motorway signs: red X signals, variable speed limits and emergency areas.
- Safe following distances: at least a two-second gap in dry weather and double that in the wet.
- Hazard awareness: lorries, roadworks, sudden braking and traffic changing lanes ahead.
- Leaving the motorway: reading junction signs early, using the countdown markers and adjusting speed on the slip road.
- Breakdowns and emergencies: what to do if your car develops a problem on a motorway.
Your instructor will always start on quieter dual carriageways before moving onto the motorway itself, so every step feels manageable.
Motorway lessons from Redhill
From Redhill, the M25 at Junction 8 and the M23 interchange near Merstham are only a short drive away. This makes Redhill an ideal base for motorway practice, with both busy orbital traffic and faster, straighter stretches nearby. You can learn more on our driving lessons in Redhill page, or read about our advanced driving lesson in Redhill.
Motorway lessons from Horley
Horley is close to M23 Junction 9 and the Gatwick spur, one of the most useful motorway links in Surrey. Practising here prepares you for airport runs, heavy traffic at peak times and quick lane changes near junctions. Many Horley drivers combine motorway practice with night-time driving lessons in Horley to cover every condition. Visit our driving lessons in Horley page for more details.
Learn with an experienced driving instructor near you
Motorway driving is very different from town driving, so the right instructor matters. Our DVSA-certified instructors know the local junctions well. They explain each decision clearly, stay calm in heavy traffic and give honest feedback so you improve quickly. All lessons take place in dual-control cars, with evening and weekend times available to fit around work or study.
Tips for your first motorway drive
- Plan your route and junction number before you set off.
- Check your tyres, fuel and screen wash.
- Stay in the left lane until you feel settled.
- Look well ahead, not just at the car in front.
- Take a break at a service station on long journeys.
Frequently asked questions
Can learners drive on the motorway?
Yes, but only with an approved driving instructor in a car with dual controls.
Is motorway driving part of the driving test?
No, but your test may include fast dual carriageways, and motorway lessons build the same skills.
How many motorway lessons do I need?
Most drivers feel confident after one or two sessions, though nervous drivers may want more.
Coming back after a long break?
If it has been a while since you last drove, start with a refresher driving lesson to rebuild your confidence before heading onto the motorway.
Book your motorway driving lesson
Get ready for the M25 and M23 with expert support. Explore our full guide to learning to drive in Surrey, check our prices or book your motorway driving lesson today.
