Learn how to move around other road users or fixed objects.

How to Change Lanes | Road Test Smart

https://youtu.be/mUnfbiEJytA

Closed Caption

Introduction

Hi there smart drivers, Rick with Smart Drive Test talking to you today about how to lane merge.

What we're gonna do is we're going to go for a drive in the car and show you how to do that.

So essentially the steps are: locate the space - check your mirrors, you signal, shoulder check, and put your signal on.

Shoulder check before you start to move over; immediately before you start to cross the line, you're going to shoulder check again.

You have to make sure the way is clear and you have a space to move into.

You're going to accelerate slightly as you move from one lane to the other and you're gonna leave your signal on all the way into the lane.

So we're going to do that today in the vehicle - show you how to do that.

Stick around we'll be right back with that information.

[OPENING CREDITS & MUSIC}

Before beginning to merge, you must have 3 signal flashes:

1) Get other drivers' attention;
2) Other drivers locate your vehicle;
3) Other drivers take action.

Merge #1

OK, lane merge - mirror, signal, shoulder check.

And then shoulder check again immediately before crossing the line and we accelerate slightly to maintain our speed as we cross over.

Leave your signal all the way into the lane - until you get completely in the other lane on the other side.

So that's how you lane merge

Merge #2

...right into your lane - okay, and I'm signalling over to the left.

I leave my signal on and I'm slowing because the traffic in front is stopped.

Sometimes you'll have to do that and again we're going to make a left hand turn here.

And there's a painted island - do not drive on the painted island.

For the purposes of a road test treat it like it's made of concrete.

Wait until the traffic proceeds forward and then move into your lane.

Lane Merge #3

Merging to the Right Lane Immediately After Left Turn

So move into the turning lane as soon as the turning lane starts.

The light is green - there's a huge truck as you can see.

I put the front tires on the front crosswalk line.

Now the other thing I'm going to need to do, is I'm going to do a little jig-jog here.

So I move out to the left and then I straighten my wheels out again.

That way if I'm rear-ended from the rear I won't be pushed out into oncoming traffic.

Shoulder check...

into the inside lane.

Immediately put on my right hand signal - I don't want to change lanes over the railway crossing.

So I come over the railway crossing and then I change lanes back to the right immediately when I make a left-hand turn.

Never merge when moving through an intersection (where two roads intersect); it's dangerous and you could potentially fail a driver's test.

Quick review of lane merging: mirror, signal shoulder check - locate your gap.

Conclusion

Make sure that it's legal - that you do not merge across a solid white line.

Because in North America, if you merge across the solid white line that's major demerits on your road test.

So you get your signal on and you want to accelerate slightly as you move from one lane to the other.

In most cases to maintain a constant speed because you have increased distance from one lane to the other when you're moving on a diagonal.

So you got to increase your speed slightly.

Just before your vehicle crosses over the line between the two lanes, shoulder check again.

Leave your signal on all the way into the other lane.

When you get in the other lane look in the path of travel and steer the vehicle in that path of travel.

So when you get completely into the lane cancel the signal, look in the path of travel and steer the vehicle.

Sometimes you're going to have to slow, you won't be able to accelerate between the lanes of traffic because the traffic in front of you will be slowing - if you're moving towards an intersection or whatnot.

So that's how you lane merge.

Question for Smart Drivers:

Have you ever been cut off by somebody doing a lane merge incorrectly?

All that helps us out.Leave a comment down in the comment section there.

I'm Rick with Smart Drive Test, thanks very much for watching.

If you like what you see here share, subscribe, leave a comment down in the comment section.

As well, hit that thumbs up button.

Check out all the videos on the channel here - great information if you're working towards getting a license or starting a career as a bus or truck driver.

As well, head over to my website - lots of great information over there as well and online courses that you can purchase.

Thanks again for watching.

Good luck on your road test.

And remember pick the best answer not necessarily the right answer.

Have a great day.

Bye now.

Bloopers

Mirror, signal shoulder check - signal on.

I'm going to brake a little bit because somebody just pulled out in front of us.

And and we shouldn't have done that in the intersection....information for you...[LAUGHING]