A driving instructor revealed a common blunder many motorists make regarding dual carriageways – and it stems from confusion about what distinguishes them from other road types. With hundreds of Highway Code regulations to remember and follow, it’s hardly surprising some drivers might slip up or become bewildered.
Richard Fanders, from Conquer Driving, is a driving instructor who frequently posts educational content on social media to assist both learners and qualified drivers in understanding road rules and maintaining safety.
In a recent YouTube clip, the expert highlighted a regular error many people commit concerning dual carriageways.
The instructor revealed it’s “common” for him to encounter the misconception the distinction between a dual carriageway and motorway lies purely in the number of lanes.
Fanders noted most people believe dual carriageways feature two lanes while motorways boast three or more – but this assumption is incorrect.
Fanders clarified: “A motorway is a road with motorway status – and how many lanes are in each carriageway does not determine whether or not that road gets motorway status.”
He then said: “‘Dual’ means two but ‘carriageway’ does not mean lane and I think that’s where some people can get this wrong.”
What truly classifies a road as a dual carriageway in Britain is the existence of a central reservation dividing two carriageways, one designated for each direction of travel. The number of lanes is not “relevant” to its status and it can have two or more lanes in each direction.
Fanders then provided example illustrations of roads, stating: “In Great Britain, if they are traveling in opposing directions they will be passing on the left.
“This road is a dual carriageway. We have one carriageway on the left traveling in one direction and another carriageway on the right traveling in the other direction and each carriageway is separated by a central reservation.
“This can be a barrier, a kerb or just a piece of grass. This is what makes it two carriageways or a dual carriageway – how many lanes are in each carriageway is not relevant.
“There can be one lane in each carriageway, or there can be many lanes in each carriageway. There is no limit to how many lanes can be in each carriageway.”
Fanders then explained the main difference between dual carriageways and motorways, which is due to the level of access control and the types of vehicles permitted on the roads.
Dual carriageways allow a wider range of vehicles, including cyclists, slower vehicles and more to drive on them while motorways are much stricter about what types of vehicles are permitted.
Motorways also use blue signs whereas dual carriageways typically use green signage.
In the comments section, fellow YouTube users shared their thoughts. One person said: “Useful stuff, thanks. I think I knew all the points raised, but I’ve been driving for many years now.”
Someone else said: “Thank you for clearing this up for people. I was once on a single lane dual carriageway country road and for stuck behind someone who was only going 60mph when they should’ve been going at 70mph.”
A third added: “Brilliant explanation. Thank you.”
