Lane Usage and Maneuvers

Changing lanes

Use four steps every time: Mirror, Signal, Shoulder, Move. Check the rear-view and side mirrors, signal at least 100 feet before the change in town (and earlier at highway speed), glance over your shoulder into the blind spot, then move smoothly. Cancel the signal. Never change lanes in an intersection.

Passing

Pass on the left. Make sure you have a clear gap, no oncoming traffic, and a broken yellow line in your lane. Signal, move out, pass quickly, and return only when you can see the passed vehicle in your rear-view mirror. Do not pass on hills, curves, within 100 feet of a railroad crossing or intersection, or where a solid yellow line or a no-passing pennant forbids it.

You may pass on the right only when the vehicle ahead is turning left or when you are on a roadway with two or more lanes in your direction.

Turning

Signal at least 100 feet before the turn. Get in the correct lane early. For a right turn, stay close to the right edge and finish in the right-most lane. For a left turn, use the left-most legal lane and finish in the corresponding lane. Yield to pedestrians. Hands: left turn — left arm straight out; right turn — left arm up; stop or slow — left arm down.

Expressways and backing

On a limited-access highway, use the on-ramp to match speed, then merge into a gap. Keep right except to pass. Watch minimum speed signs. If you miss an exit, go to the next one — never back up on the freeway.

Backing is the most error-prone low-speed skill. Check all around, look over your right shoulder through the rear window, and back slowly. Do not rely on mirrors alone.