Session 13: Rules about traffic lanes

You are very close to an intersection; you notice that you are in the wrong lane to perform your turn. What should you do?

(a.) Continue and change into the lane to turn at the next intersection. b. Signal your intention to the driver beside you so that this driver will allow you to pass. c. Wait until there are no vehicles, which prevent or hinder you from maneuvering safely. d. Stop and check the traffic carefully before turning.

Turning

The safest way to make turns is to go from one travel lane to the other as directly as possible without crossing lane lines or interfering with other traffic. Once you have completed your turn, you can change to another lane if you need to.

U-Turn

A U-turn is a turn within the road, made in one smooth U-shaped motion, so as to end up traveling in the opposite direction.

When there is not enough room for a U-turn, you are suggested to follow:

(a.) a three-point (or Y) turn. b. a two-point turn. c. a four-point (or W) turn. d. a five-point (or star) turn.

You may not make a U-turn:

- At any intersection where a police officer is controlling traffic unless the officer instructs you to make a U-turn. - In mid-block on any street in a business district or in mid-block on a through (main) highway in a residential district, except where the street or highway is divided and the turn is made at a legal opening or crossover. - At any place where signs prohibit such turns. - Upon a curve or upon the approach to or near the crest of a grade on any undivided highway where the vehicle cannot be seen by the driver of any other vehicle with 500 feet approaching from any direction. - At any place where a U-turn cannot be made safely or without interfering with other traffic.

How to Make a Y-Turn

1. Check for traffic in your mirrors and blind spot. Signal right. Pull as far right as possible and stop. 2. Check traffic in mirrors and blind spot. When the way is clear, signal left. Make a left-angle turn to the opposite curb or side of the road. 3. Check traffic to left and right. Turn front wheels as far right as possible. Looking behind the vehicle, back far enough so the vehicle clears the curb when you pull forward. 4. Check traffic to left and right and proceed when the way is clear.

Right turns

After checking traffic to the rear and signaling, move into the travel lane farthest to the right. Before starting to turn, look right and left. Remember to yield the right-of-way, if necessary. Move your vehicle around the corner and into the travel lane farthest to the right. Avoid swinging wide to the left before starting to make the turn. If you swing wide, the driver behind you may think you are changing lanes or going to turn left and may try to pass you on the right. If you swing wide as you complete the turn, drivers who are in the far lane will not expect to see you there.

Multiple turn lanes

If there are signs or lane markings that allow for two or more turning lanes, stay in your lane during the turn.

General driving

It is illegal and unsafe to back a vehicle in any travel lane unless you are parallel parking or completing a Y-turn. Drivers do not expect a vehicle to be backing toward them and may not realize it until it is too late. If you miss your turn or exit on a freeway, do not back up. Go on to the next exit where you can exit and re-enter the freeway to go back to the exit you missed. Do not stop in travel lanes for any reason (confusion, breakdowns, letting out a passenger). Keep moving until you can safely pull off the road. On a road with two or more lanes traveling in the same direction, stay in the right lane except to pass. On a road with three or more lanes traveling in the same direction, stay as far to the right as practical. As a general rule, never drive on an unpaved shoulder of the road.

Y-Turn

This is used in the driving exam as a test of skill and judgment. It is not recommended for use in general driving, but may be used in residential areas on streets too narrow for a U-turn.

Why should you look left first and last when turning into cross traffic?

Traffic from your left will hit you first as you are entering their lane of travel first. Traffic coming from the right usually goes slower than traffic coming from the left. Traffic from the left generally has a harder time seeing you than traffic on the right. None of the above.

Passing

You should never pass on the shoulder. However, a paved shoulder may be used to pass a stopped vehicle or one that is slowing to make a left turn. On multi-lane roads, the left-most lane is intended to be used for passing slower vehicles. If you pass on the right, the other driver may have difficulty seeing you and might suddenly change lanes in front of you.

Which lane do you usually make a left turn from if you are driving on a one-way street?

a. Any lane it is safe to do so. b. Either of the two lanes closest to the left curb. c. The lane immediately to the right of the center line. (d.) The left curb lane.

What should you do if you miss your turn or exit on a freeway?

a. Cross over and make the turn. b. Turn around in your lane and go back to make the turn. (c). Continue onto the next exit and make your way back to where you want to go. d. Stop and seek help.

Why should you not turn your wheels while you are waiting to make a left turn or U-turn?

a. If you are hit from behind you could be pushed into oncoming traffic. b. If you are hit from behind your car is more likely to be totaled. c. You could confuse oncoming traffic. (d.) All of the above.

After making a right turn at an intersection, which of the following actions should you take?

a. Stay in the right lane and slow down. b. Speed up quickly and move into the left lane. (c.) Adjust your speed to the flow of traffic in the right lane. d. Change lanes to the left as soon as possible.

What should you do if you change your mind about turning in the middle of making a turn at an intersection?

a. Stop and reverse out of the intersection so you can make up your mind. b. Change directions and go the new direction you decided you want to go. (c.) Continue through the turn, continue driving, and work your way back to where you want to go. d. None of the above

For which of the following situations is acceptable to stop in a travel lane?

a. When you are confused. b. When there is something wrong with your car. c. When you have to let out a passenger. (d.) None of the above.

One of the basic principles with respect to turn maneuvers is to make the turn...

a. as quickly as possible. (b.) as short as possible. c. as slowly as possible. d. all of these.

Do not make a U-turn on a curve or near the top of a hill if you cannot be seen by:

a. drivers ahead of you. b. drivers stopped on the shoulder. (c.) drivers approaching from either direction. d. drivers on the right side of you.

If you are making a left turn, you must begin:

a. in the center lane. b. in the intersection. (c.) in the leftmost lane. d. in the rightmost lane.

Just before beginning to steer into a right turn at an intersection, you should...

a. re-scan the intersection. b. release the brake and accelerate. c. activate the right turn signal. (d.) all of these.

After completing a left turn, where possible, you should:

a. stay in the left lane and adjust to the flow of traffic. b. speed up quickly and stay in the right lane. c. speed up quickly and stay in the left lane. (d.) change lanes to the right in order to free the passing lane.

To turn right off of a four-lane roadway, you must turn from:

a. the lane to the right of the center of the road. b. from the sidewalk. c. from the leftmost lane of the road. (d.) from the travel lane nearest to the right curb or edge of the roadway.

When turning left from a two-way street onto a one-way street, you must:

swing wide to the left before turning. begin the turn with your right wheel as close as possible to the yellow dividing line. begin the turn with your left wheel as close as possible to the yellow dividing line. any of the above.

Left turns

On a left turn or U-turn, turn into the travel lane farthest to the left going in your direction. This way, you will cross the fewest lanes of traffic. After checking traffic to the rear and signaling, move into the turn lane (if there is one) or the travel lane farthest to the left. Before starting to turn, look left, right, across the intersection, then left again. Remember to yield the right-of-way, if necessary.

When preparing to turn left, if you must yield to oncoming vehicles, you should stop...

a. and then inch into the oncoming traffic. b. with the tires turned ready to accelerate. c. while keeping the tires straight. (d.) all of these.