Motorway riding feels different from town riding. Speeds are higher, gaps close quickly, and small mistakes leave less time to recover. For a qualified rider, the key is to know the rules, plan early and ride with calm, disciplined observation.
Who can ride a motorcycle on the motorway?
You must hold a full motorcycle licence to ride a motorcycle on a motorway. Learner motorcyclists are not allowed on motorways, so you cannot use a motorway while riding on a CBT certificate with L plates. A CBT lets you practise as a learner, but it does not give motorway entitlement.
Mopeds and motorcycles under 50cc are not allowed on motorways at all, even with full moped entitlement. If you are working towards a full licence, our CBT to full licence roadmap explains the steps from CBT to test routes. Eligible riders may also consider DAS full motorcycle licence training.
Before your first motorway ride
Do not make your first motorway ride a rushed commute in poor weather. Choose a familiar route, check your fuel, tyres, lights, chain, oil and controls, and wear proper protective clothing. Make sure you are rested, warm enough and not distracted. Tiredness, cold and wet clothing all affect concentration.
Know where you intend to join and leave. Check the junction numbers, plan where you could stop for fuel, rest or help, and set navigation before you ride.
Joining and leaving safely
Most riders join from a slip road on the left. Use the slip road to build a safe view and match your speed to traffic already on the motorway. Traffic on the motorway has priority, so do not force your way in. Check mirrors early, signal if it will help, look for a safe gap and make a final shoulder check before moving across.
When leaving, plan early. Watch for signs, move into the left lane in good time and signal left before the slip road if it will help others. After motorway speeds, 50mph can feel much slower than it is, so check your speedometer and slow properly.
Lane discipline and speed
Keep to the left lane unless overtaking. If you overtake, return to the left when it is safe. Sitting in the middle or outside lane when the left lane is clear is poor lane discipline.
The national speed limit for a solo motorcycle on a motorway is 70mph. This is the maximum, not a target. You must obey any lower speed limit shown, including temporary and variable limits. In rain, spray, strong wind, darkness or heavy traffic, the safe speed may be below the posted limit.
When overtaking, check mirrors, judge traffic behind, use a lifesaver check where needed, signal in good time and move smoothly. Do not cut back in sharply. Large vehicles can hide traffic ahead and create turbulence, so give yourself space.
Smart motorways and signs
Smart motorways use overhead signs and signals to manage traffic. A speed limit shown in a red circle is mandatory. Amber flashing lights warn of a hazard ahead, so reduce speed and prepare to react.
A red X means the lane is closed and you must not use it. Move safely to an open lane as soon as the signs tell you to do so. There may be a stopped vehicle, workers, debris or emergency services in that lane.
On some motorways, the hard shoulder may be used as a running lane only when signs show that it is open. If the sign above it is blank or shows a red X, do not use it except in an emergency.
Following distances, wind and large vehicles
Keep a safe following distance. On high-speed roads, allow at least a two-second gap in good conditions, and increase it in poor weather. In wet conditions, give yourself at least double the gap. In icy conditions, avoid riding unless the journey is essential and safe.
Do not sit close behind vans, coaches or lorries. They block your view, reduce your escape options and can hide debris or standing water. When passing large vehicles, expect wind buffeting. Keep a relaxed grip, look where you want to go and avoid abrupt inputs.
Fuel, fatigue and comfort
Motorway riding can be tiring because the view changes less than it does on urban roads. Build in breaks, especially if you are new to motorway riding or carrying a load. Stop before you become tired, not after your concentration has already dropped.
Keep an eye on fuel range. Running low on fuel on a motorway is avoidable and can put you in a vulnerable position. If the fuel light appears, use the next suitable service area.
What to do if you break down
If your motorcycle develops a problem, leave the motorway at the next exit or pull into a service area if you can. If not, move left, use an emergency area or hard shoulder if available, and stop as far left as you safely can. Use hazard warning lights if fitted.
- Get away from the motorcycle and moving traffic if it is safe.
- Stand behind a safety barrier where there is one, while watching for drops, debris or uneven ground.
- Do not attempt repairs on the carriageway, hard shoulder or emergency area.
- Do not place a warning triangle on a motorway.
- Use the emergency telephone or call for help, and describe your location.
If you cannot move left or cannot get to a safe place away from traffic, call 999 and ask for the police. Your priority is to protect yourself and other road users.
Frequently asked questions
Can I ride on the motorway with a CBT?
No. A CBT certificate with L plates does not allow you to ride on motorways. You need a full motorcycle licence before riding a motorcycle on the motorway.
Can a 125cc motorcycle go on the motorway?
Yes, if you hold a full motorcycle licence that allows you to ride that machine. A learner on a CBT and L plates cannot ride a 125cc motorcycle on the motorway.
What does a red X mean on a motorway?
A red X means the lane is closed and you must not use it. Move safely to an open lane when directed by the signs.
Book motorcycle training in London and Hertfordshire
If you want confidence before riding faster roads, or you are ready to move from CBT to a full motorcycle licence, Universal Motorcycle Training® can help. We provide DVSA-regulated motorcycle training at our seven centres in Alperton, Croydon, Edgware, Eltham, Wimbledon, Dagenham and Hoddesdon. Contact our team to book your training.