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'I'm driving instructor and many people make same error with dual carriageways'

A driving instructor has one thing many people get "wrong" when it comes to dual carriageways - and it's all to do with confusing what actually makes a road a dual carriageway

[A wide-angle view of a modern dual carriageway stretches out beneath a vibrant blue sky filled with fluffy white clouds. Multiple cars travel along the smooth, well-maintained asphalt lanes, curving gently into the distance.]

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Many people make the same "wrong" conclusion about dual carriageways (stock image)(Image: Sofya Ismayilova via Getty Images)

With more than 40 million licensed drivers in the UK - and roughly 74% to 77% of adults across the nation holding a valid driving licence - our roads are bustling with activity. All drivers have to keep on top of hundreds of Highway Code rules and regulations to stay safe behind the wheel - but that doesn't mean mistakes won't still happen.

One driving instructor has lifted the lid on a common issue many drivers get "wrong" when it comes to dual carriageways - and it all boils down to confusion over how they differ from other types of road.

No matter how long you've held a driving licence, mistakes can still happen. With that in mind, many professionals take to social media to help remind drivers - and learners - of the rules of the road.

Richard Fanders, from Conquer Driving, is one such pro who regularly shares informative content across social media in a bid to help both learner drivers and those who are already qualified to better understand regulations and ensure their safety.

In one YouTube video, the seasoned instructor shed light on a widespread misconception many people hold about dual carriageways.

The common dual carriageway mistake

He noted it's "common" for him to come across the belief that dual carriageways and motorways are distinguished simply by the number of lanes they have.

Fanders pointed out most people assume dual carriageways have two lanes while motorways have three or more - but this is simply not the case.

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 added: "'Dual' means two but 'carriageway' does not mean lane and I think that's where some people can get this wrong."

What defines a dual carriageway in the UK?

The true marker of a dual carriageway is the presence of a central reservation separating two carriageways, with one allocated for each direction of travel. The number of lanes isn't the determining factor, and each direction can feature two or more lanes.

Fanders then offered clear examples of such roads, and explained: "In Great Britain, if they are travelling in opposing directions they will be passing on the left.

"This road is a dual carriageway. We have one carriageway on the left travelling in one direction and another carriageway on the right travelling 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."

Motorway vs. dual carriageway

Fanders then outlined the crucial distinction between dual carriageways and motorways, which centres on access restrictions and permitted vehicle types. Dual carriageways accommodate a wider variety of vehicles, including cyclists, slower-moving traffic and others, while motorways enforce more stringent rules regarding which vehicles can use them.

Motorways feature blue signage, whereas dual carriageways generally use green signs. In the comments section, fellow YouTube users were quick to share their views.

One person said: "Useful stuff, thanks. I think I knew all the points raised, but I've been driving for many years now."

Another said: "Thank you for clearing this up for people. I was once on a single lane dual carriageway country road and got stuck behind someone who was only going 60mph when they should've been going at 70mph."

While a third added: "Brilliant explanation. Thank you."

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