Roadwise States Louisiana Driving lessons Lane changes & lane use Louisiana driving lesson · Passing, Lanes & Parking
Lane changes & lane use A 3-minute lesson from the Louisiana course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Read time 3 minutes
Course unit Passing, Lanes & Parking
Checkpoint questions 6
Source pages 40, 91, 92 Stay in the right lane unless you're passing or turning left, and never rush a lane change. Missing an exit or turn is always better than forcing your way over.
Know the rule
Louisiana law: drive in the right-hand lane unless you're preparing to turn left, passing another vehicle, or the right-hand lanes are congested.
Handbook p. 40 ↗ Know the rule
Never drive slower in the left lane than vehicles to your right. If you're slower than the normal speed of traffic, use the right lane only.
Handbook p. 40 ↗ Know the rule
On a divided highway, don't cross the median or barrier except at an approved crossover. Don't cross the painted continuous center line of a multilane highway except to turn.
Handbook p. 91 ↗ Proper lane changing: Check your rearview and side mirrors Look over your shoulder to make sure no one is in your blind spot Check for other drivers moving into the same lane Signal your intention Handbook p. 91 ↗ Know the rule
If you can't see at least a quarter mile ahead, don't attempt to pass. The best conditions are a clear day on a long, flat, clear stretch.
Handbook p. 92 ↗ Know the rule
Never make a hurried or unsafe lane change, even to catch your exit or turn. Take the next exit and turn around.
Handbook p. 92 ↗ Know the rule
If a car is in your blind spot, speed up or slow down to make space, checking your mirrors several times. If adjusting your speed would put anyone in danger, wait.
Handbook p. 92 ↗ Know the rule
Never force your way into a lane. If a car in that lane is approaching faster than you, let it pass, then change lanes.
Handbook p. 92 ↗ Know the rule
Changing lanes while driving through or approaching an intersection is dangerous and illegal. Wait until you're through it.
Handbook p. 92 ↗ Put it into practice
Your exit is coming up, but the right lane is packed and there's no gap. Don't cut over. Stay in your lane, take the next exit, and come back.
A useful reminder The left lane is for passing and left turns. If you're slower than traffic, move right.
Check your understanding Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
What does Louisiana law say about which lane you should generally drive in? Keep right unless passing, turning left, or congested Always drive in the left lane on multi-lane roads Lane choice is entirely up to the driver at all times Only trucks are required to use the right lane Answer: Keep right unless passing, turning left, or congested
Louisiana law defaults drivers to the right lane except when passing, turning left, or dealing with congestion.
Handbook p. 40 ↗ What does the law say about a vehicle traveling in the left lane? It must always travel the posted maximum speed It must not go slower than traffic to its right It may travel any speed regardless of traffic to the right It must yield to cars merging from the right Answer: It must not go slower than traffic to its right
A vehicle in the left lane may not travel slower than vehicles in lanes to its right.
Handbook p. 40 ↗ When is it illegal to change lanes? On a multilane highway When passing a slower vehicle Within 500 feet of an exit At or near an intersection Answer: At or near an intersection
Changing lanes at or near an intersection is both dangerous and illegal.
Handbook p. 92 ↗ Before attempting to pass, if you cannot see at least how far ahead, you should not attempt it? A quarter mile 100 feet 1,000 feet 50 feet Answer: A quarter mile
If you can't see at least a quarter mile ahead, don't attempt to pass.
Handbook p. 92 ↗ A vehicle in your blind spot is present as you try to change lanes. What should you do? Force your way into the lane anyway Adjust your speed to make a safe gap Move over slowly so they notice you Come to a complete stop in your current lane Answer: Adjust your speed to make a safe gap
Adjusting your speed to create a gap is the safe way to handle a blind-spot vehicle before changing lanes.
Handbook p. 92 ↗ You are about to miss your exit on a busy road. What is the correct response? Slam on the brakes and cut across traffic Stop in your lane and wait for an opening Go on to the next exit Reverse to reach the exit Answer: Go on to the next exit
The handbook advises never making a hurried or unsafe lane change, even if it means missing your exit.
Handbook p. 92 ↗ Previous lesson Passing rules Next lesson Parking rules & distances More in Passing, Lanes & Parking About the source Roadwise’s Louisiana course uses the driver handbook edition supplied with this study pack. This lesson cites source pages 40, 91, 92. The linked PDF is a third-party mirror of the handbook, rather than a government-hosted page.
Open the handbook source PDF · View the source edition
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