Michigan driving lesson · Right-of-Way, Passing, and Turning
Lane usage: keep right
A 3-minute lesson from the Michigan course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
In the U.S. you drive on the right — and in Michigan you must use the right-hand lane unless a specific exception applies. On interstates and full-access controlled freeways, the left lane is for passing and a few other situations.
Drive in the right-hand lane except when:
Passing a vehicle in front of you
An obstacle forces you over the center line (yield to oncoming traffic first)
The road has three or more marked lanes
On a one-way street with two or more lanes
Signs or signals direct you into the left lane on a two-way multi-lane highway
Crossing the center line to turn left into or out of an alley, private road or driveway
Approaching a stopped emergency vehicle (make sure it's safe to go around)
Road construction is near or blocking the right lane or shoulder
It is illegal to drive across median strips or through barriers. But if a road's cut-through is paved and no signs prohibit it, you may use it to make a left turn.
You need to turn left into a gas station driveway on a two-lane road. You may cross the center line to do it — that's one of the listed exceptions.
Put it into practice
You're on a two-lane interstate and the left lane is empty ahead of and behind you. You may drive in it — once traffic comes up behind you, move back 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.
Under normal conditions, in which lane must you drive?
The center lane on a 3-lane road
The right lane, with specific exceptions
Any lane you choose freely
The left-hand lane, with specific exceptions
Answer: The right lane, with specific exceptions
You must drive in the right-hand lane except in a defined list of situations, like passing or multi-lane roads.