Road Types: Country Roads, Dual Carriageways & Motorways
Each road type demands a different approach. Adapting your driving to the environment — speed, positioning, hazard awareness — is what these three skills are about.
Note: motorway driving is not part of the practical test, but it is part of the DVSA framework. Many instructors introduce it during post-test lessons.
Track Your Road Type ProgressCountry Roads
Rural roads have some of the highest speed limits but also some of the most unexpected hazards. Many learners find country roads harder than town driving because there's less predictability.
Country road hazards
- ✓ Blind bends — reduce speed, stay left, sound horn on sharp bends if necessary
- ✓ Animals on the road — slow right down, stop if needed
- ✓ Tractors and farm vehicles — be patient, wait for a safe place to pass
- ✓ Passing places on narrow roads — use lay-bys to let oncoming traffic pass
- ✓ Unmarked junctions — hidden entrances from fields or farm tracks
- ✓ National speed limit (60mph on single carriageway) — often too fast for the conditions
The 5 levels for Skill 21
- 1 Introduced: Instructor manages speed and points out hazards
- 2 Helped: Drives on rural roads with frequent guidance
- 3 Prompted: Generally safe; needs prompts for speed or unusual hazards
- 4 Independent: Drives safely and confidently on all country roads
- 5 Reflection: Reads the road ahead proactively; adjusts well before hazards arise
Dual Carriageways
Dual carriageways have a central reservation separating opposing traffic and are usually subject to 70mph speed limits. Joining, leaving, and lane discipline are the key skills here.
Dual carriageway skills
- ✓ Joining: Match speed of traffic on the main carriageway before merging
- ✓ Lane use: Keep left except when overtaking — don't sit in the middle lane
- ✓ Overtaking: Mirror–signal–manoeuvre; return to left lane promptly
- ✓ Leaving: Signal in good time; reduce speed on the slip road, not before
- ✓ Speed: 70mph limit, but adjust for traffic and conditions
The 5 levels for Skill 22
- 1 Introduced: Instructor manages all aspects of dual carriageway driving
- 2 Helped: Drives on dual carriageway with considerable support
- 3 Prompted: Generally safe; prompts for lane discipline or joining speed
- 4 Independent: Joins, drives, and leaves dual carriageways confidently
- 5 Reflection: Plans lane changes early; keeps left naturally; matches traffic flow smoothly
Motorways
Motorway driving is not assessed on the practical test (learners can only drive on motorways with an ADI in a dual-controlled car), but it's included in the DVSA framework because all new drivers need to understand it.
Motorway differences
- ✓ Maximum speed: 70mph (or as shown on variable signs)
- ✓ No stopping except on hard shoulder in an emergency
- ✓ Lane 1 is the normal driving lane — lanes 2 and 3 are for overtaking only
- ✓ Smart motorways: obey variable speed limits; red X means do not use that lane
- ✓ 2-second rule in dry conditions — much more in wet
- ✓ Learners can drive on motorways since 2018 — with an ADI only
The 5 levels for Skill 23
- 1 Introduced: Instructor explains motorway rules and differences
- 2 Helped: Drives on motorway with close instructor support
- 3 Prompted: Manages motorway with occasional prompts for lane or speed
- 4 Independent: Drives confidently at motorway speeds; keeps left; plans ahead
- 5 Reflection: Understands smart motorway risks; adapts to traffic and conditions naturally
Tracking Progress Across Skills 21–23
Introduced
Following instructor guidance
Helped
Improving with assistance
Prompted
Mostly independent, occasional prompts
Independent
Consistent, confident performance
Reflection
Understands the why — test ready
Your instructor records your level on each skill after every lesson. Aim for Level 5 on all 27 skills before booking your test.
Track Your Road Type Progress
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