Missed your motorway exit? Rule 263 answer
Updated •4 min read
What should you do if you're driving on a motorway and you miss the exit that you wanted to take? Carry on to the next exit. Rule 263 of the Highway Code says so in as many words, and bans reversing, crossing the central reservation and driving against the traffic flow.
Rules on this page are quoted from the Highway Code on gov.uk (motorways, rules 253 to 273), read on 27 October 2026.
Rule 263 word for word
Rule 263 says that, unless directed to do so by a police or traffic officer, you MUST NOT:
- reverse along any part of a motorway, including slip roads, hard shoulders and emergency areas
- cross the central reservation
- drive against the traffic flow.
It ends: "If you have missed your exit, or have taken the wrong route, carry on to the next exit."
Why the wrong answers are wrong
The question appears in several wordings, for example: "You are driving on freeway and planning to exit, unfortunately you missed your desired exit. What should you do?" The options usually come down to three ideas.
| Option | Right or wrong | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Reverse slowly on the hard shoulder and then exit | Wrong | Rule 263 says you MUST NOT reverse along any part of a motorway, including hard shoulders |
| Stay calm and continue driving to the next available exit | Right | Rule 263: "carry on to the next exit" |
| Stop on the hard shoulder and switch on the hazard lights | Wrong | The hard shoulder is for emergencies. Missing an exit is not one |
| Make a U-turn or cross the central reservation | Wrong | Rule 263 says you MUST NOT cross the central reservation |
Our question bank agrees: the question "You have gone past your motorway exit. Which of these must you NOT do?" has the answer "Reverse along the motorway or the slip road", citing rule 263.
What to do, step by step
- Keep your speed and lane steady. Do not brake hard or swerve across lanes to reach the slip road.
- Plan the next exit. Check your route. A sat nav will usually offer a new one.
- Leave at the next exit. Rule 273 says you will normally leave the motorway by a slip road on your left, so move into the left-hand lane well before the exit, signal left in good time and slow down on the slip road as necessary.
- Rejoin and go back if you need to return to the exit you missed. Our joining a motorway from a slip road guide covers rule 259.
The hard shoulder is not a parking place for a wrong turn. The motorway rules guide lists when it may be used, and the learner drivers and motorways guide covers lessons on the motorway.
Test yourself
Try a free mock theory test or the free practice questions. The free diagnostic shows whether motorway rules are a weak area. theorytest.ai is independent and is not affiliated with the DVSA.
Frequently asked questions
What should you do if you miss your motorway exit?
Carry on to the next exit (rule 263). Do not reverse, make a U-turn or stop on the hard shoulder.
Can you reverse on a motorway if you miss your exit?
No. Rule 263 says you MUST NOT reverse along any part of a motorway, including slip roads, hard shoulders and emergency areas, unless a police or traffic officer directs you.
Can you stop on the hard shoulder after missing an exit?
No. Missing an exit is not an emergency, so keep driving to the next exit.
Can you cross the central reservation to turn round?
No. Rule 263 says you MUST NOT cross the central reservation.