Key points
- Short slip roads
- Exits close together
- Motorway rules in the city
- Practised with dual controls
Manchester's elevated urban motorway runs along the southern edge of the city centre, linking the A6 and Ardwick with Chester Road and the A56. Because it's a motorway, motorway rules apply — no stopping, no cyclists, and slip roads that join and leave on short merges above the streets.
Where it is
The Mancunian Way (A57(M)) — Manchester city centre (Ardwick to Chester Road).
What catches learners out
- Short slip roads. Build speed early on the slip road and pick your gap from the mirrors, not at the last second.
- Exits close together. Read the overhead signs and get into lane early — there isn't room to change late.
- Motorway rules in the city. No stopping, hard shoulders aren't there to use, and learners may only drive it with an approved instructor in a dual-control car.
How we teach it
We only take learners onto the Mancunian Way once slip-road merging is solid on quieter dual carriageways, and we drive it first as a demonstration so you know where every exit comes.
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 Mancunian Way in my lessons?
Is The Mancunian Way 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.