Use the M40 rather than the M1 as it tends to be quieter. If you are travelling on a Friday then go as early as you can. For some reason Friday mornings are the quietest morning of the week. Anytime from lunchtime onwards and you are going to get stuck on the M25 particularly between J14 and J10 and then again past J6 where you pass Clacket Lane Services. It always gets clogged in those two areas on e Friday afternoon.
If you are that concerned then get a couple of hours in with a driving instructor first. Don’t sit in the middle lane unless you are overtaking, leave a reasonable distance between you and the vehicle in front and keep your wits about you especially when joining any motorway. With the journey you are making you get loads of warning when a junction is coming up so don’t worry about that. You’ll be fine, not all women are worried about motorways and if you keep calm then you’ll be the same.
If you are that concerned then get a couple of hours in with a driving instructor first. Don’t sit in the middle lane unless you are overtaking, leave a reasonable distance between you and the vehicle in front and keep your wits about you especially when joining any motorway. With the journey you are making you get loads of warning when a junction is coming up so don’t worry about that. You’ll be fine, not all women are worried about motorways and if you keep calm then you’ll be the same.