A 3-minute lesson from the South Carolina course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Lane changes and highway merges go wrong when drivers skip the head check or move over at the wrong speed. Check, signal, find a gap, and match the traffic flow.
When changing lanes:
Check your mirrors
Check your blind spots by turning your head and looking over your shoulder toward your move
Identify a gap in traffic, signal, and look again in the direction of the lane change
Areas around your vehicle where your view is blocked. Check them by turning your head and looking over your shoulder in the direction you plan to move.
Your exit is two miles ahead and you're in the left lane. Move right early, one lane at a time, keeping highway speed. At the exit, signal, move into the deceleration lane, and only then slow to the posted ramp speed.
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.
To enter a multi-lane highway, you should use the acceleration lane to:
Come to a complete stop before merging
Pass slower vehicles already on the highway
Park temporarily while checking traffic
Reach the speed of traffic before merging
Answer: Reach the speed of traffic before merging
Use the acceleration lane to reach the speed of other vehicles before pulling onto the roadway.
