California DMV Permit Test (Class C)Rules of the Road and Right-of-WayEasy
You are driving on a freeway and observe a vehicle on the entrance ramp trying to merge into your lane. What is the most appropriate action you should take?
- ASlow down significantly to force the merging vehicle to wait.
- BIf safe, move to another lane to allow the merging vehicle space.
- CMaintain your speed and position, as merging vehicles must yield.
- DSpeed up to get ahead of the merging vehicle.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. If safe, move to another lane to allow the merging vehicle space.
While merging vehicles must yield, it is safest and courteous for drivers already on the freeway to make room for merging traffic if it is safe to do so, either by changing lanes or adjusting speed.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Slowing down can create a hazard and does not facilitate smooth merging.
- C. While technically true that merging vehicles yield, it is safer to make space if possible.
- D. Speeding up can reduce the merging driver's available space and create a dangerous situation.
Freeway Merging Courtesy
Drivers on the freeway should make room for merging traffic by changing lanes or adjusting speed, if safe.
- Merging vehicles must yield.
- Freeway drivers should assist safe merging.
- Change lanes if safe to create space.
- Adjust speed to create safe gap.
Memory trick: Merge with grace, give them space.