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Lane Changing



Lane Choice
When instructing your teen, note the importance to choose the lane that is:

Appropriate for the driving maneuver, such as turning or parking.

The least congested. Exceptions: Turning or stopping would require the appropriate lane regardless of congestion in that lane.

If a roadway has two lanes in the same direction, select the right lane. If you can choose among three lanes, pick the middle lane. To pass or turn left, use the left lane.

Lane Changes

You may discover your teen has difficulty changing lanes in a smooth, continuous movement. Have your teen follow the steps below to make sure that a lane change is made safely.

  1. Check the traffic ahead.

  2. Glance in mirrors for breaks in the traffic.

  3. Check the blind spot by looking over your shoulder into the lane you wish to occupy.

  4. Signal.

  5. Check the mirror and look over your shoulder again to make sure the space is empty.

  6. Change lanes by moving into a break in traffic flow.

  7. Steer to center the vehicle in the new lane.

  8. Turn off the signal.

  9. ​

Problems to Watch for:

  1. Failing to check the rearview mirror.

  2. Failing to look over shoulder.

  3. Checking over shoulder too long while the vehicle drifts from its path or gets dangerously close to vehicles ahead.

  4. Not knowing if there is enough room to change lanes. At first, you should make the judgment for your teen. When your teen is able to look over his or her shoulder and still stay in the lane, have your teen tell you when it is safe to change lanes. Continue requiring a verbal check until you agree with his/her decision.

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