You are driving in the middle lane of a three‑lane motorway and see signs for an exit you intend to take, which is 1 mile ahead on the left. Traffic is heavy but flowing at motorway speeds. What is the safest and most appropriate way to prepare for your exit?

Explanation

The Highway Code (Rules 133, 261 and 269) explains that you must be in the correct lane in good time and signal clearly before turning or leaving a motorway. You should use your mirrors, signal early, and change lanes gradually only when it is safe, then reduce speed smoothly on the slip road, not on the main carriageway. Sudden lane changes, late braking, cutting across traffic or using the hard shoulder to reach an exit are dangerous and against the rules.