roadwise.Open study app

Pennsylvania driving lesson · Turns, Intersections and Highways

Merging and passing

A 3-minute lesson from the Pennsylvania course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.

Study this lesson in the app Back to the course
Read time
3 minutes
Course unit
Turns, Intersections and Highways
Checkpoint questions
6
Source pages
50, 51

Merging and passing both need enough space to move safely into another stream of traffic. Passing on a two-lane road is especially dangerous because you borrow the oncoming lane. Know the distances and the places where passing is simply illegal.

Know the rule

Acceleration lanes on entrance ramps let you reach the speed of traffic and let highway drivers see you before you enter. It is illegal to pass a vehicle ahead of you in an acceleration lane.

Handbook p. 50 ↗

Merging from an acceleration lane

  • Turn on your signal and look for an opening in traffic
  • Accelerate up to the speed of traffic
  • Merge into the opening
Handbook p. 50 ↗

Know the rule

Be extra careful passing near crossroads and shopping center entrances; a driver turning into the left lane won't expect you there.

Handbook p. 51 ↗
1/4 mile

Clear roadway needed to pass a slower vehicle on a two-lane road at 45 mph

Handbook p. 51 ↗
About 10 mph

How much faster than the vehicle you're passing you need to be going

Handbook p. 51 ↗

Know the rule

Passing at night is most dangerous: you can't see as far, and if you see only an oncoming car's headlights you'll likely think it's farther away than it is. When passing several vehicles, be sure there's room to pull back in.

Handbook p. 51 ↗

You may pass on the right only:

  • When the driver you're passing is making or signaling a left turn (stay on the berm or shoulder)
  • On a roadway with two or more marked traffic lanes in each direction
Handbook p. 51 ↗

You may NOT pass when:

  • Within 100 feet of or crossing an intersection or railroad grade crossing (unless a device allows it)
  • Within 100 feet of a bridge, elevated structure or tunnel
  • Approaching or on a curve or hill crest that limits your view of oncoming traffic
  • On the shoulder of a multi-lane highway
Handbook p. 51 ↗

Steps for a safe pass

  • Check signs and pavement markings that allow or forbid passing
  • Look ahead for dangers such as driveways where a car could enter
  • Check mirrors and blind spots for anyone about to pass you
  • Make sure the passing lane is clear and signal early
  • After passing, signal your return
  • Move back only when you see both headlights of the passed vehicle in your rearview mirror
Handbook p. 51 ↗

Put it into practice

You're about to pass a slow car on a two-lane road, and a narrow bridge is about 80 feet ahead. Don't: passing within 100 feet of a bridge is prohibited. Wait until you're well past it and the road ahead is clear.

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.

It is illegal to pass a vehicle ahead of you in what type of lane?
  1. A center turn lane
  2. An acceleration lane
  3. The rightmost travel lane
  4. A passing lane on a 4-lane highway

Answer: An acceleration lane

Passing another vehicle in an acceleration lane while merging is illegal.

Handbook p. 50 ↗
At 45 mph, about how much clear roadway do you need to safely pass a slower vehicle on a two-lane road?
  1. About 100 feet
  2. About 1/2 mile
  3. About 1/4 mile
  4. About 1/10 mile

Answer: About 1/4 mile

At 45 mph you need roughly a quarter mile of clear road to complete a pass safely.

Handbook p. 51 ↗
About how much faster than the vehicle you're passing should you be traveling?
  1. About 2 mph faster
  2. About 25 mph faster
  3. Exactly the same speed
  4. About 10 mph faster

Answer: About 10 mph faster

You need to travel about 10 mph faster than the vehicle you are passing.

Handbook p. 51 ↗
You may pass another vehicle on the right when:
  1. The vehicle ahead is making or signaling a left turn, and you stay on the berm or shoulder
  2. You are within 100 feet of an intersection
  3. You are on a curve with limited visibility
  4. The vehicle ahead is going the speed limit

Answer: The vehicle ahead is making or signaling a left turn, and you stay on the berm or shoulder

Passing on the right is allowed when the vehicle ahead is turning left, using the berm/shoulder.

Handbook p. 51 ↗
Within how many feet of an intersection or railroad crossing are you generally prohibited from passing?
  1. 50 feet
  2. 100 feet
  3. 200 feet
  4. 500 feet

Answer: 100 feet

You may not pass within 100 feet of an intersection or railroad crossing, absent a device saying otherwise.

Handbook p. 51 ↗
Before moving back into your lane after passing, what should you confirm in your rearview mirror?
  1. The vehicle you passed has stopped completely
  2. Another car isn't already passing you
  3. Both headlights of the passed vehicle
  4. Your turn signal has turned off automatically

Answer: Both headlights of the passed vehicle

You should see both headlights of the passed vehicle in your mirror before merging back.

Handbook p. 51 ↗
Take the lesson checkpoint in the app

More in Turns, Intersections and Highways

All Pennsylvania lessons