A 3-minute lesson from the Virginia course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Changing lanes and passing put you beside and in front of other vehicles, often at speed. Virginia expects a set routine every time, and bans passing where you can't see far enough or where people may be in the road.
Changing lanes, in order:
Check your side and rearview mirrors for traffic approaching from behind
Turn on your signal
Check for other drivers moving into the same lane
Just before moving, quickly glance over your shoulder at your blind spot
Before passing, check ahead, behind and your blind spot. Signal, then accelerate. Return to the right lane when you can see the front of the passed vehicle in your rearview mirror.
It is against the law to exceed the speed limit while passing. Finish the pass before a No Passing zone; still being in the left lane there is breaking the law.
You may pass on the right only when the vehicle ahead has signaled and is turning left, and never if you must drive off the pavement or main roadway to do it.
A car ahead signals left and slows to turn. You may pass on its right if you can stay on the pavement, but watch carefully: the turning car may block your view of other traffic, and theirs of you.
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.
On a multi-lane highway, the left lane is generally reserved for what?
Slower traffic
Trucks and buses
Cruising at the speed limit
Passing only
Answer: Passing only
The left lane is for passing only, not cruising; stay right if you're driving slower than surrounding traffic.
