Key points
- Airport traffic
- Joining from Princess Parkway
- Higher speeds
- Practised with dual controls
Runs from the end of Princess Parkway past Manchester Airport towards Cheshire. Learners can drive it with an approved instructor in a dual-control car.
Where it is
The M56 (M56) — South Manchester to Manchester Airport and Cheshire.
What catches learners out
- Airport traffic. Drivers looking for terminal exits change lanes late.
- Joining from Princess Parkway. Read lane markings early.
- Higher speeds. Keep a two-second gap — more in the wet.
How we teach it
Often our first motorway lesson with south Manchester learners.
Motorway rules for learners
Learner drivers have been allowed on motorways in England since June 2018 — but only with an approved driving instructor in a car with dual controls. You can't practise it with a friend or family member.
Areas nearby
All Greater Manchester road guides →
DriveSQ Student Portal
Every SQ Driving School learner gets the DriveSQ Student Portal free — so you always know where you stand, not just how many hours you've had.
- 23 driving skills tracked after every lesson
- Theory library and 50-question mock tests
- Test-readiness checklist and instructor messaging
Why SQ Driving School?
SQ Driving School is owned and managed by DriveSQ — the Greater Manchester driving school behind the Student and Instructor Portals.
- Manual & automatic, same price: £35/hr
- 10 hours £350 — £320 for NHS staff, students and M16/M18/M19
- Door-to-door pick-up across Greater Manchester
Frequently asked questions
Will I drive on The M56 in my lessons?
Is The M56 on the driving test?
How much are lessons?
Sources
- GOV.UK — The Highway Code
- GOV.UK — Learner drivers on motorways (from 4 June 2018)
- Transport for Greater Manchester — roads and travel
Published by SQ Driving School, a brand owned and managed by DriveSQ. Checked on 16 October 2026. Rules, fees and test centres change — always confirm on GOV.UK before you book.