Practice question

When changing lanes, what should you check for?

  1. Only traffic in front of you
  2. Only traffic beside you
  3. Both behind you and beside you
  4. Only traffic behind you

Answer: C — Both behind you and beside you

When changing lanes, it's essential to check both behind you and beside you to ensure a safe maneuver. This involves looking at your mirrors and performing a shoulder check to be aware of vehicles that may be in your blind spots. Checking traffic behind you allows you to gauge the speed and distance of any vehicles that may be approaching from the rear, which is crucial for determining when it's safe to change lanes. Additionally, assessing the traffic beside you helps you understand if there are any vehicles already in the adjacent lane or if someone is attempting to enter that lane. This comprehensive awareness minimizes the risk of collisions and ensures that you are making an informed decision before executing the lane change.

Practice more: Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles Permit Practice Test →