Driving on Victorian Freeways: Entering, Merging, Lanes and Stopping

Entering and merging

• Adjust your speed along the entry ramp to match freeway traffic.
• Signal clearly.
• Give way to traffic already on the freeway.
• Merge smoothly when there is a large enough gap.

At some entrances, traffic lights control how fast vehicles join when traffic is heavy. Electronic advisory signs tell you when they are working. When on, the lights change quickly, so only one vehicle can enter on each green. Crossing a broken line where your lane ends counts as a lane change, so give way to vehicles already in the lane.

Lanes and speed

• Be alert: traffic travels fast. Stay out of the right lane unless overtaking or unless all lanes are congested. The same applies to the right lane used by all traffic if the lane beside it is a transit lane.
• Electronic variable signs show reduced limits at high-risk times. Obey the number shown.

Exiting

• Watch for exit signs. Exit lanes are usually on the left.
• Keep your speed up while you signal your exit well in advance, and slow down once you are on the exit ramp.
• Exit number signs help you navigate and give emergency services a location reference.

Stopping and breakdowns

You must not stop on a freeway except in an emergency. If you must stop, use only the emergency stopping lane and switch on your hazard lights. Buses and taxis can sometimes use that lane when signs allow, so watch for them, especially near entrances and exits.

Tollways

Some freeway sections are tollways and signs warn you before you enter. If you do not want to enter, take the next exit.

See also speed limits, keep left and lane discipline, overtaking safely and tunnels.

Based on the Victorian Road to Solo Driving handbook and the VicRoads learner and probationary pages. Rules change from time to time, so check vicroads.vic.gov.au for the latest.