How to Change Lanes
Moving safely from one lane to another by signaling and checking your mirrors and blind spot first.
Step by step
- Check your mirrors and make sure there is a large enough gap in the lane you want to move into.
- Signal in the direction you plan to move so drivers around you know your intention.
- Glance over your shoulder to check the blind spot — the area beside and slightly behind you that your mirrors do not show.
- When it is clear, steer smoothly into the new lane while keeping a steady speed; move one lane at a time.
- Turn off your signal once you have completed the lane change.
What examiners look for
That you signal in time, check both the mirror and your blind spot with a head turn, steer smoothly without slowing or speeding up, keep a safe gap, and change only one lane at a time.
Common mistakes
Checking only the mirrors and missing the blind spot, not signaling or signaling too late, swerving or drifting, and crossing several lanes at once.
When you'll use it
On highways and multi-lane roads, and tested on road tests that include higher-speed or multi-lane driving.
Related maneuvers
Based on state DMV driver manuals and official road-test criteria. Exact requirements vary by state — check your state's driver manual.