Practice question

When turning onto a multiple lane street, which lane should you select?

  1. The rightmost lane because it is the slowest lane.
  2. The leftmost lane because it is the fastest lane.
  3. The center lane.
  4. The closest available lane in your desired direction.

Answer: D — The closest available lane in your desired direction.

When turning onto a multiple lane street, the most appropriate action is to select the closest available lane in your desired direction. This practice enhances safety and facilitates smoother traffic flow. By choosing the lane that is nearest to where you are turning, you minimize the chance of cutting across traffic, which can lead to collisions. Additionally, it helps ensure that drivers behind you have a clear expectation of your movements, thereby reducing confusion on the road. Proper lane selection is fundamental in maintaining order as vehicles navigate intersections and transitions between different roads. The other options suggest lane choices based primarily on assumptions about speed or function, rather than on the immediate need for safety and traffic proper flow. Selecting lanes based on speed can lead to dangerous maneuvers, while opting for the center lane might not always align with your intended direction of travel, potentially increasing the risk of accidents.

Practice more: Virginia Driver Education and Traffic Safety (VADETS) Practice Test →