8.2 Signaling, Lane Use & Highway Driving
Key Takeaways
Hand signals are made through the driver's window: arm straight out for a left turn, arm bent up for a right turn, and arm bent down to slow or stop.
Before turning, merging or changing lanes, check your mirrors and blind spot, signal, then make the move.
On roads with two or more lanes in your direction, drive in the right lane unless you are passing, turning left, or the right lane is blocked.
Signal your highway exit at least 500 feet before the exit ramp, and never stop or back up if you miss an exit.
On an expressway with three or more lanes in your direction, use the right lane for slower driving, the middle for faster driving and the left for passing.
Other road users assume you will keep going straight unless you show otherwise. Signals tell pedestrians and drivers what you intend to do and give them time to react.
When to Signal
You must signal when you:
- Change lanes
- Turn at an intersection or into a driveway
- Pull away from a curb
- Pull over to the side of the road
- Enter or exit an expressway or freeway
Turn the signal off when the move is complete. Signal at least 100 feet before a turn, and at least 500 feet on a highway (Section 9.1).
The Three-Step Routine
- Check your mirrors for traffic behind you and check your blind spot on the side you are moving toward.
- Signal your intent.
- Make your move.
On highways the manual shortens this to look, signal, move.
Hand Signals
If your electric signals fail, use hand signals through the driver's side window. You must know them to pass the road test.
| Move | Arm position |
|---|---|
| Left turn | Arm extended straight out |
| Right turn | Arm bent upward at the elbow |
| Slow or stop | Arm bent downward at the elbow |
Bicyclists may signal with either arm.
Using Lanes
On roads with two or more lanes in your direction, use the right lane unless you are:
- Passing another vehicle
- Making a left turn
- Avoiding a blocked right lane
Other lane rules:
- Never change lanes in the middle of an intersection. It is illegal and dangerous.
- Do not travel or pass in a highway breakdown lane, except where signs allow breakdown-lane travel during specific hours.
- When you reach a curve you cannot see around, keep right and slow down.
- Restricted lanes for buses, carpools or bicycles are off-limits except when preparing to turn, as the signs show.
Motorcyclists
- Do not ride along the lines between lanes of traffic.
- Ride no more than two abreast.
- Stay off highways and expressways unless the motorcycle can safely hold the posted minimum speed.
Highway Driving
A divided highway has separate roadways for each direction. Controlled-access highways, called expressways or freeways, have no signals or intersections: you enter and exit at interchanges by ramps. Interstates 90 and 495 and Route 128 are examples. Highway limits are usually 45 to 65 mph.
Entering
- Get into the proper lane well in advance.
- Yield to drivers already on the highway.
- Match the speed of highway traffic as you merge.
Exiting
- Signal at least 500 feet before the exit ramp.
- Watch for slowed or stopped traffic backed up near ramps.
- Slow to the posted ramp speed once you are on the exit ramp.
- Where a breakdown lane is used as a travel lane, check your right-hand blind spot before exiting.
If You Miss Your Exit
Do not stop, and never back up on a highway. Take the next exit and follow signs to come back the other way.
On the Highway
- Make sure your vehicle can handle highway speeds.
- Stay right and use the left lane only for passing. With three or more lanes in your direction, use the right lane for slower driving, the middle lane for faster driving and the left lane for passing.
- Drive in the middle of your lane.
- Do not drive in another driver's blind spot, and if you are in one, pass through it quickly. Large trucks and buses have blind spots in front, behind and on both sides, so do not follow them closely (Section 10.4).
- Watch for vehicles entering the highway and for people or vehicles in the breakdown lane.
- Do not weave in and out of traffic.
- Watch for construction signs, crews, and speed or lane changes.
Highway Hypnosis and Fatigue
Long stretches of highway can lull you into "highway hypnosis." If you feel tired, leave at the next exit, rest stop or service area. On long trips, stop and stretch every two hours or 100 miles.
Breaking Down on the Highway
Move the vehicle into the breakdown lane or onto the shoulder, as far from traffic as possible. Stay in your vehicle. Do not stand near the travel lane or in the breakdown lane, where many people have been killed. Section 11.2 covers warning triangles and the rest of the breakdown routine.
Scenarios
- You realize your exit is the one you just passed: keep going, take the next exit and turn around legally.
- Three lanes, and you are cruising slower than traffic: move to the right lane.
- Your turn signals fail on the way to a road test: use hand signals, which the examiner will expect you to know anyway.
Your turn signals stop working and you need to turn right. Which hand signal do you use?
Right arm extended out the passenger window
Left arm bent downward at the elbow
Left arm out the window, bent upward at the elbow
Left arm extended straight out
How far before a highway exit ramp should you signal?
At least 200 feet
At least one mile
At least 100 feet
At least 500 feet
On an expressway with three lanes in your direction, how should the lanes be used?
Middle for trucks only, outer lanes for cars
Right for slower driving, middle for faster, left for passing
Any lane at any speed, as long as you signal
Left for slower driving, middle for passing, right for exiting only
Sections you finish are checked off in the contents.