Topics · Turns and passing

Turns and passing: DMV test questions

Which lane, when you can and when you can't. Here are 39 questions like the ones on the written test, with answers and explanations.

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39 questions with answers

1. 1. You're making a right turn. Where do you start it?

   1. From any lane, as long as you signal
   2. From the left lane, swinging wide
   3. From the right lane, close to the curb
   4. From the middle lane, to have more room
   Show answer

   Answer: From the right lane, close to the curb

   Hug the curb, kiddo. That way nobody slips in on your right.

2. 2. You finish a right turn onto a multi-lane street. Which lane do you enter?

   1. The right lane, the closest one
   2. Whichever lane has fewer cars at the moment
   3. The left lane, to get ahead right away
   4. The middle lane, to stay out of everyone's way
   Show answer

   Answer: The right lane, the closest one

   Short, clean turn into the nearest lane. Want another one? Change later.

3. 3. On a two-way street you're turning left. Where do you start?

   1. From the right lane, to see better
   2. From the shoulder, to stay out of the way
   3. From whichever lane is emptiest at that moment, even the right one
   4. From the left lane, next to the center line
   Show answer

   Answer: From the left lane, next to the center line

   Close to the center line. That way the cars behind can go around on your right.

4. 4. When turning left, what mistake should you avoid?

   1. Cutting the corner into the oncoming lane
   2. Signaling before you reach the corner, since it confuses other drivers
   3. Waiting for oncoming cars to go by
   4. Ending in the nearest left lane
   Show answer

   Answer: Cutting the corner into the oncoming lane

   Cut the corner and you're in the oncoming lane. That's where crashes happen.

5. 5. On a one-way street, you turn left onto another one-way street. How?

   1. From the right lane into the left lane
   2. From the middle lane into the middle lane, always
   3. From the far-left lane into the far-left lane
   4. From the left lane into any lane you like
   Show answer

   Answer: From the far-left lane into the far-left lane

   Left to left, kiddo. Simple as that.

6. 6. On a two-way street you turn left onto a one-way street. You start…

   1. In the oncoming lane, if it's empty
   2. Between both lanes, to keep your options open
   3. In the left lane, next to the center line
   4. In the right lane, next to the curb
   Show answer

   Answer: In the left lane, next to the center line

   Same start as any left turn: close to the center.

7. 7. There are two left-turn lanes and you're in one. During the turn you…

   1. Follow the car beside you, even if it changes lanes
   2. Swing out to the right to widen the curve
   3. Stay in your lane until the turn is done
   4. Move into the other lane if it's empty
   Show answer

   Answer: Stay in your lane until the turn is done

   Everyone stays in their own lane, like a line at the bakery. No cutting.

8. 8. You're waiting to turn left while oncoming traffic passes. Your wheels are…

   1. Turned right, just to be safe
   2. Straight, without turning the wheel yet
   3. Already turned left, ready to go
   4. It doesn't matter if your foot is on the brake
   Show answer

   Answer: Straight, without turning the wheel yet

   If you're rear-ended with wheels turned, you get pushed into oncoming traffic.

9. 9. There's a bike lane and you're turning right. What do you do?

   1. Move into the bike lane shortly before the turn, if it's clear
   2. Enter the bike lane a block early and drive in it
   3. Turn from your lane, cutting across the bike lane
   4. Never enter the bike lane, not even to turn
   Show answer

   Answer: Move into the bike lane shortly before the turn, if it's clear

   Many states have you merge in just before (California: within 200 feet). Check for bikes.

10. 10. Red light, you want to turn right, and nobody's coming. What do you do first?

    1. Slow down and turn without stopping
    2. Honk to warn others and roll slowly through the turn without stopping
    3. Stop completely, then turn when it's safe
    4. Always wait for the green
    Show answer

    Answer: Stop completely, then turn when it's safe

    Red is red: full stop first. Then yield and turn.

11. 11. You see this sign at a red light. What does it mean?

    1. You may turn on red if no one is walking
    2. You may not turn while the light is red
    3. You may turn on red without stopping
    4. Only trucks may turn on red
    Show answer

    Answer: You may not turn while the light is red

    This sign takes away your turn on red. Wait for the green, kiddo.

12. 12. In most states, when may you turn left on red?

    1. Only at night when traffic is light
    2. Never, in any case, anywhere in the country
    3. From a one-way onto a one-way, after a full stop
    4. Any time there's no oncoming traffic
    Show answer

    Answer: From a one-way onto a one-way, after a full stop

    Most states allow one-way to one-way, after a full stop and yielding. Check yours.

13. 13. In most states, where may you make a U-turn?

    1. In front of a fire station, if no truck is out
    2. On a one-way street, if it's empty
    3. In the middle of the block, where there's more room
    4. At an intersection on green, if no sign forbids it
    Show answer

    Answer: At an intersection on green, if no sign forbids it

    Rules vary by state, but at a corner on green with no sign, it's usually OK.

14. 14. Before any turn, besides cars, what do you look for?

    1. People and bikes in the crosswalks
    2. Only the cars coming up behind you
    3. Only the traffic light at the corner
    4. Police officers who might ticket you
    Show answer

    Answer: People and bikes in the crosswalks

    Walkers and bikes count too. Look before you turn.

15. 15. Normally, on which side do you pass?

    1. On the left
    2. On the shoulder, if it's paved
    3. On the right
    4. Wherever there's more room
    Show answer

    Answer: On the left

    You pass on the left, with only a few exceptions.

16. 16. You're on a road with two lanes your way and the right one is open. May you pass on the right?

    1. Yes, if it's safe and you stay on the pavement
    2. Yes, and you may use the shoulder if needed
    3. Only if the driver ahead waves you by with a hand signal
    4. No, you never pass on the right
    Show answer

    Answer: Yes, if it's safe and you stay on the pavement

    On multi-lane roads it's allowed, carefully. The shoulder is not a lane, kiddo.

17. 17. On a two-lane road, you want to pass. A curve or hilltop is ahead. What do you do?

    1. Don't pass: you can't see what's coming
    2. Pass if the car ahead is going very slowly
    3. Pass if you honk first to warn others
    4. Pass quickly before you reach the curve
    Show answer

    Answer: Don't pass: you can't see what's coming

    If you can't see what's coming, don't pass. There could be a big rig up there.

18. 18. In many states, you may not pass within 100 feet of…

    1. A speed limit sign
    2. Any car parked at the edge of the road
    3. A gas station, restaurant, or store
    4. An intersection, bridge, tunnel, or railroad crossing
    Show answer

    Answer: An intersection, bridge, tunnel, or railroad crossing

    Space or visibility runs out there. Pass somewhere else.

19. 19. You see this sign. What does it mean?

    1. Do not let others pass you
    2. Do not change lanes to the right
    3. Do not park on this stretch
    4. Do not pass on this stretch
    Show answer

    Answer: Do not pass on this stretch

    No passing here. That sign isn't decoration.

20. 20. The car in the next lane stopped before a crosswalk. May you pass it?

    1. Yes, because you don't have a stop
    2. Yes, if you go slowly and honk
    3. No: someone may be crossing
    4. Yes, if the person is already mid-street
    Show answer

    Answer: No: someone may be crossing

    If a car stopped at a crosswalk, there's a reason. A child may be hidden there.

21. 21. On a two-lane road at 55 mph, about how long does it take to pass?

    1. About 2 to 3 seconds
    2. About 10 to 12 seconds
    3. Around 1 second, if you floor it
    4. A full minute, at least
    Show answer

    Answer: About 10 to 12 seconds

    It's longer than you think. You need lots of open road ahead.

22. 22. You want to pass, but you're not sure there's enough room. What do you do?

    1. Turn on your hazards and go for it
    2. Don't pass; wait for another chance
    3. Tailgate the car ahead to save time
    4. Floor it and take the chance
    Show answer

    Answer: Don't pass; wait for another chance

    If in doubt, don't. Being two minutes late never hurt anyone.

23. 23. You passed a car, but you can't see its headlights in your rearview mirror yet. You…

    1. Move back and honk to let it know
    2. Stay in your lane a little longer before moving back
    3. Move back now, since you're past it
    4. Brake so it catches up and you can see it
    Show answer

    Answer: Stay in your lane a little longer before moving back

    If you can't see both its headlights in the mirror, it's still too close. Hang on.

24. 24. While passing, may you go over the speed limit?

    1. Yes, up to 10 mph over
    2. Yes, if the other car is very slow and you need to finish quickly
    3. Yes, a few seconds don't count
    4. No, the limit still applies when passing
    Show answer

    Answer: No, the limit still applies when passing

    Passing isn't a license to fly. If you can't make it legally, don't pass.

25. 25. A car is passing you and suddenly an oncoming car appears. What do you do?

    1. Speed up so it can't get in
    2. Keep going the same; that's its problem
    3. Slow down so it can get back in fast
    4. Move to the center to block it
    Show answer

    Answer: Slow down so it can get back in fast

    Help the passer get back in. A head-on crash hurts everyone.

26. 26. At night you're behind a car and plan to pass. Which lights do you use while following?

    1. Low beams, so you don't blind them in the mirror
    2. Your hazard lights the whole way, so they can see you clearly
    3. High beams, so they know you're going to pass
    4. None, to save the battery
    Show answer

    Answer: Low beams, so you don't blind them in the mirror

    Behind another car, low beams. No one drives well with a mirror on fire.

27. 27. You're going to pass a large truck. What's right?

    1. Allow more time and don't linger beside it
    2. Cut back right in front of it and brake
    3. Ride beside it for a while so the driver can see you
    4. Pass on the right, since it's faster
    Show answer

    Answer: Allow more time and don't linger beside it

    Beside a truck you're in its blind spot. Pass with purpose and move on.

28. 28. There's a single broken yellow center line. What does it mean?

    1. It marks a left-turn lane
    2. No one may pass on this stretch
    3. Only drivers on the other side may pass
    4. You may pass if the way is clear
    Show answer

    Answer: You may pass if the way is clear

    Broken line means passing is allowed. But only if it's truly clear.

29. 29. In many states, to give a bicyclist room on a road with a double yellow line, you may…

    1. Squeeze past without leaving your lane
    2. Honk so they move over
    3. Cross the double yellow if the other lane is clear
    4. Pass them on the right, on the shoulder
    Show answer

    Answer: Cross the double yellow if the other lane is clear

    Many states allow it when safe. Better to wait than to brush the bike.

30. 30. You want to move two lanes to the left. How do you do it?

    1. One lane at a time, checking each time
    2. Diagonally, without signaling
    3. Wait for the intersection and change there
    4. Both at once, to get it over with
    Show answer

    Answer: One lane at a time, checking each time

    One lane, check, then the next. No jumping two at a time.

31. 31. Why shouldn't you change lanes inside an intersection?

    1. Cars and people cross there from every side
    2. Because only trucks and buses are allowed to do it inside an intersection
    3. Because turn signals don't work there
    4. Because mirrors don't work at corners
    Show answer

    Answer: Cars and people cross there from every side

    Intersections are busy enough. Change lanes before or after.

32. 32. On the highway, how far ahead do you signal before changing lanes?

    1. Half a second before, as you move
    2. Once you're in the other lane
    3. At least 5 seconds before
    4. Not needed if no one is around
    Show answer

    Answer: At least 5 seconds before

    Things move fast on the highway. About 5 seconds gives others time to see you.

33. 33. You're behind a very slow car and the center line is double solid yellow. Do you pass it?

    1. Yes, if you go fast to finish quickly
    2. Yes, if you honk first
    3. No: you can't pass over double solid yellow lines
    4. Yes, if nobody's coming
    Show answer

    Answer: No: you can't pass over double solid yellow lines

    Double solid yellow lines mean no passing. Stay behind with a safe distance, even if it's slow.

34. 34. The center line is broken and you want to pass the slow car, but another car is coming toward you. What do you do?

    1. Pull into the other lane and speed up
    2. Wait behind until it passes, then decide
    3. Flash your lights so the oncoming car slows down
    4. Pass quickly: the line allows it
    Show answer

    Answer: Wait behind until it passes, then decide

    A broken line lets you pass only when it's safe. If a car is coming toward you there's no room: wait behind. Once it's clear: signal, mirror and look over your shoulder, then pass.

35. 35. A car is passing you on the left. What do you do?

    1. Brake hard so it passes quickly
    2. Speed up so it doesn't get ahead
    3. Stay in your lane and don't speed up
    4. Move over to block it
    Show answer

    Answer: Stay in your lane and don't speed up

    If someone is passing you, let them pass: keep your lane and your speed. The law says don't speed up until they've completely passed.

36. 36. You're turning left and a car is coming toward you. What do you do?

    1. Wait with your wheels already turned left
    2. Wait with your wheels straight until it passes
    3. Turn quickly before it gets there
    4. Wave it to let you go
    Show answer

    Answer: Wait with your wheels straight until it passes

    When turning left, yield to oncoming traffic. While you wait, keep your wheels straight: if someone hits you from behind, you won't be pushed into the other lane.

37. 37. You're turning right and a bicyclist is on your right, a little ahead. What do you do?

    1. Honk so they stop
    2. Let them go first and get behind them to turn
    3. Pass them and turn in front of them
    4. Turn at the same time as them
    Show answer

    Answer: Let them go first and get behind them to turn

    To turn, merge behind the bicyclist, not beside or in front of them: if you turn across their path you can hit them. Let them go first, then make your turn.

38. 38. You're turning left and a motorcycle is coming toward you. It looks small and far away. What do you do?

    1. Turn quickly before it gets there
    2. Turn: it can brake
    3. Wait until it passes: motorcycles are closer than they look
    4. Wave at it to stop
    Show answer

    Answer: Wait until it passes: motorcycles are closer than they look

    Motorcycles are smaller and harder to see, so they seem farther away and slower than they really are. When turning left, yield: wait for the motorcycle to pass, then make your turn.

39. 39. You're turning left onto Oak St up ahead. There's a center left turn lane. How do you use it?

    1. Turn from your lane without using the center lane
    2. Enter it now and drive in it up to the street
    3. Enter it close to the turn (no more than 200 feet before), all the way, and wait for a gap
    4. Enter it halfway so you don't block anyone
    Show answer

    Answer: Enter it close to the turn (no more than 200 feet before), all the way, and wait for a gap

    The center left turn lane is only for getting ready for and making a left turn or U-turn. It isn't a travel or passing lane, and you may drive in it for 200 feet at most. Signal, check your mirror and blind spot, merge all the way in so you don't block the cars behind you, and turn when no one is coming.