Lane changing is an important part of the driving process. Most likely, you will not be staying in one lane the entire time you’re driving to your destination. Knowing the proper way to change lanes can help prevent car collisions. Follow these steps to ensure the lane change process is safe and effective.
Scan the Road
Make sure traffic is moving freely, allowing you time to check your mirrors and make sure there is enough space between you and the traffic ahead and behind you. You will also need to check the lane that you will be moving into, making sure that you have enough time and space to move into the next lane. Make sure your mirrors are positioned well so that you can see as much as possible around your vehicle.
Apply Directional Signal
Activate your directional signal. This alerts any drivers around you that you will be moving over to another lane. Change lanes one lane at a time and avoid changing lanes too often. Scan the road and signal every lane change, whether or not other vehicles are present.
Check the Road Again
You’re almost ready to make the move, but check around your vehicle one more time before you start moving into the next lane. Conditions change on the roads so quickly, it’s important to scan the area as much as possible before making any moves. If everything looks clear, you’re ready to change lanes!
Change Lanes
Smoothly and quickly move to the desired lane. Try to maintain constant speed and then cancel your turn signal once the lane change is complete.
If you are new to driving, you may feel most comfortable staying in one lane and only making right turns while driving. However, it’s important to practice changing lanes on residential streets, city streets, and highways so that you become comfortable with the process. Your Top Driver driving instructor will ensure that you feel as comfortable as possible with this process before you take the road test.