On a multi-lane highway, besides checking the lane you are moving into, what else does the manual say to check before changing lanes?
-
A.
The lane beyond, in case another driver plans to move into the same space. Correct
-
B.
Only the vehicle directly behind you in your current lane.
-
C.
Oncoming traffic in the lanes going the other direction.
-
D.
The driver-side mirror a second time right before you turn the wheel.
The answer is "The lane beyond, in case another driver plans to move into the same space."
The manual says to check the lane you are changing to and the lane beyond, so another vehicle isn't planning to move into the same space from the far side. The lane beyond is where a driver two lanes over can aim for the same gap at the same moment. Trap: option B. A driver who treats a lane change as a one-on-one with the car directly behind in their current lane forgets that someone one lane past the target is often working the same opening.
The traps in the wrong answers
B. Only the vehicle directly behind you in your current lane.
Reduces the check to the car directly behind you and skips the lane beyond, where another driver may be aiming for the same gap. Treats a lane change as a negotiation with the car in the current lane, the way a defensive-driving course frames tailgaters, and never looks two lanes over.
C. Oncoming traffic in the lanes going the other direction.
Checking opposing traffic does not address the specific risk the manual names: another driver entering your target lane from the lane beyond. Falls back on the two-lane passing routine, where crossing the center line puts oncoming traffic in play, and applies it to a same-direction lane change where the risk comes from the lane beyond.
D. The driver-side mirror a second time right before you turn the wheel.
Repeating a mirror check does not replace the lane-beyond scan the manual names, and the manual also requires a look over the shoulder to clear the blind spot. Leans on the habit of an extra mirror glance before committing, which does not reveal a driver two lanes over working the same gap.
This question tests your knowledge of Lane Changes & Merging in North Carolina. Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, "Changing Lanes," p.54..
Related North Carolina questions
- You are following another vehicle in city traffic and cannot see the inside rear-view mirror of the car ahead. What does this most likely mean? →
- When should you turn on your signal for a lane change? →
- You are approaching an intersection to make a turn and realize you are not in the proper lane. What does the manual say to do? →
- You are following a tractor-trailer that begins to signal. Before you try to pass, the manual says you should: →
- The manual warns that when you drive beside a large truck, the wind currents from the truck can: →
You just took one North Carolina question apart. The book does it for the whole test.
The North Carolina 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.
Paperback, free companion included.