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North Dakota driving lesson · Passing, Lane Changes & Following Distance

Changing lanes

A 2-minute lesson from the North Dakota course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.

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Read time
2 minutes
Course unit
Passing, Lane Changes & Following Distance
Checkpoint questions
6
Source pages
25, 28

Changing lanes looks easy, but a car hiding in your blind spot can turn it into a crash. You are responsible for changing lanes safely, so check, signal, and move one lane at a time.

Know the rule

Before you change lanes, make sure the lane is clear and signal your movement.

Handbook p. 25 ↗

Know the rule

If possible, avoid changing lanes within an intersection.

Handbook p. 25 ↗

Blind spots

Areas around your vehicle where your mirrors fail to pick up approaching traffic.

Handbook p. 25 ↗
Mirror and blind spot vision areas
What you see in the mirrors, what you see without turning your head, and the blind spots

Steps for a safe lane change:

  • Keep a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead
  • Check your mirrors
  • Look over your shoulder for vehicles behind you and already in the other lane
  • Signal before you make the lane change
  • Change only one lane at a time
  • Cancel your signal when the lane change is complete
Handbook p. 25 ↗

Know the rule

The driver of the vehicle making the lane change is responsible for changing lanes safely.

Handbook p. 25 ↗

Know the rule

On the Interstate, use your turn signals and make sure the lane is clear when you change lanes. After passing, don't cut back into the right lane too quickly.

Handbook p. 28 ↗

Put it into practice

You need to move two lanes to the left to reach an exit. Check your mirrors, look over your shoulder, signal and move one lane. Cancel the signal, then repeat all of it for the next lane.

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 must you do before changing lanes?
  1. Make sure the lane is clear and signal your movement
  2. Only signal after starting the lane change
  3. Flash your headlights at the vehicle behind you
  4. Speed up to clear the lane quickly

Answer: Make sure the lane is clear and signal your movement

Before changing lanes, make sure the lane is clear and signal your movement in advance.

Handbook p. 25 ↗
Who is responsible for safely changing lanes?
  1. Both drivers equally, with no primary responsibility
  2. Whichever driver is going faster
  3. The driver making the lane change
  4. The driver already in the target lane

Answer: The driver making the lane change

The driver of the vehicle making the lane change is responsible for safely changing lanes.

Handbook p. 25 ↗
How many lanes should you change at a time?
  1. Up to two lanes if traffic allows
  2. As many as needed if the road is clear
  3. It does not matter as long as you signal
  4. Only one lane at a time

Answer: Only one lane at a time

Change only one lane at a time and cancel your signal once the change is complete.

Handbook p. 25 ↗
What should you check for before changing lanes, in addition to your mirrors?
  1. Nothing else is necessary
  2. Only the lane directly ahead
  3. Your blind spots by looking over your shoulder
  4. Your speedometer

Answer: Your blind spots by looking over your shoulder

Check your mirrors and look over your shoulder for vehicles behind you and already in the other lane, being aware of blind spots.

Handbook p. 25 ↗
You should avoid changing lanes within an intersection if possible.
  1. True
  2. False

Answer: True

The handbook advises avoiding lane changes within an intersection when possible.

Handbook p. 25 ↗
You should be aware of blind spots, areas where your mirrors fail to pick up approaching traffic, before changing lanes.
  1. True
  2. False

Answer: True

Be aware of blind spots and check them before changing lanes, since mirrors alone may not show approaching traffic.

Handbook p. 25 ↗
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