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Higher-speed roads

Exiting a dual carriageway using a slip road

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Practical test

Why it matters

This tests planning, mirror use, signalling, lane discipline, speed control, and how safely you adapt from a higher-speed road to the next junction.

What to look out for

Use the countdown markers

Countdown markers help you judge how close the exit is and whether your lane position is already settled.

Slip road means transition

Treat the slip road as the place where you move from higher-speed traffic into the next road layout.

Key steps

  1. 1 Read direction signs and countdown markers early so you know which exit and lane you need.
  2. 2 Check mirrors, signal in good time, and move into the left lane without cutting across late.
  3. 3 Keep a safe following distance and avoid slowing sharply while still on the main carriageway.
  4. 4 Enter the slip road smoothly, then brake progressively as the speed limit and road layout change.
  5. 5 Look ahead for bends, queues, roundabouts, traffic lights, or give-way lines at the end of the slip road.
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Common mistakes

Leaving the lane change too late

Plan from the first direction sign and move left early enough that the exit feels calm, not rushed.

Braking too hard on the main carriageway

Maintain an appropriate speed until you are on the slip road unless traffic ahead means you must slow sooner.

Forgetting the road after the exit

As soon as you enter the slip road, look ahead for the next junction, queue, bend, or speed-limit change.

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Example scenarios

Illustrative, AI-generated examples - not real photographs.

Avoid
Leaving the exit decision too late — cutting across the hatched markings into the slip road at the last moment instead of moving into the left lane calmly from the first direction sign. A driving fault, and a serious one if another vehicle has to react.
Avoid
Still in the right-hand lane with the exit approaching — the right lane is for overtaking or turning right, not a default position, so staying there forces a late lane change instead of being ready in good time.
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Highway Code

This lesson is a revision aid, not a replacement for The Highway Code.

Rule 137

On a two-lane dual carriageway, stay in the left-hand lane and only use the right-hand lane for overtaking or turning right - so you're normally already positioned for an exit rather than needing a late lane change.

Read on GOV.UK

Rule 133

Before changing lane, check your mirrors and glance sideways so you don't force another road user to change speed or course.

Read on GOV.UK
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