You are driving in the right lane of an expressway and approaching entrance ramps with merging traffic. What is recommended?
-
A.
Move out of the right lane if it is possible to do so safely Correct
-
B.
Slow down to let the ramp traffic pass on your right
-
C.
Stop in your lane until the ramp is clear of vehicles
-
D.
Speed up so vehicles on the ramp merge behind you
The answer is "Move out of the right lane if it is possible to do so safely"
The manual asks expressway drivers to make room for ramp traffic by moving out of the right lane where possible. Choice B, slowing to let ramp traffic pass on the right, mixes the ramp with a merge lane; the ramp lane is theirs, and slowing in a through lane forces drivers behind to brake for a courtesy the manual does not ask for.
The traps in the wrong answers
B. Slow down to let the ramp traffic pass on your right
Slowing in a through lane surprises drivers behind you and does not free up the right lane for ramp traffic. This answer applies a surface-street merge courtesy, where slowing to let someone in is safe at low speeds.
C. Stop in your lane until the ramp is clear of vehicles
Stopping in an expressway lane is far more dangerous than any merge conflict it would prevent. This answer treats an expressway through lane as a yield line, which is reserved for ramps with a yield sign.
D. Speed up so vehicles on the ramp merge behind you
Speeding up closes the gap the ramp driver needs; the manual asks you to open room, not close it. This answer reads the merge as a race to the merge point, where holding position beats yielding the lane.
This question tests your knowledge of Lane Changes & Merging in New York. Source: New York State Driver's Manual, "Expressway Driving," p.62..
Related New York questions
- Unless a stop or yield sign or signal controls the entrance ramp, how should you use the ramp to enter an expressway? →
- How far before an expressway exit ramp must you signal your intention to exit? →
- The entrance ramp is too short to allow acceleration to expressway speed. What is the safest way to enter? →
- What does the manual recommend to prevent a last-minute lane change before your expressway exit? →
- You have passed a large truck on the left. When may you return to the lane in front of it? →
You just took one New York question apart. The book does it for the whole test.
The New York book unlocks a free companion: an adaptive study plan, progress synced across your devices, a denser laminate cheat sheet, and a test-day walkthrough. Verify your copy once, usually in seconds; there's nothing extra to buy.
$18.99 paperback, free companion included.