247SimpleTests
DMV Permit · Lane Positioning

On a multi-lane road with traffic moving in both directions, which lane should you generally use for normal driving?

Reviewed by Jordan Morley, Editorial Lead at 247SimpleTests. Written by the 247SimpleTests Editorial Team from the official source material cited on every question.

Correct answer

The rightmost lane that is not for parking or exiting

  1. A The rightmost lane that is not for parking or exiting
  2. B The leftmost lane
  3. C Whichever lane is moving fastest
  4. D The middle lane only

Why this is the answer

On a multi-lane road, the right lane is for normal driving and the left lane is for passing. The 'keep right except to pass' rule reduces lane-changing and the conflicts it creates. Slow vehicles in the left lane disrupt traffic flow and force faster traffic to pass on the right, which is more dangerous than passing on the left. Some states fine drivers for camping in the left lane. The middle lane (on three-lane roads) is for through traffic going at the normal flow. Always use the right lane for slow driving, when towing, when leaving the highway soon, or when other traffic is faster than you. The 'fast lane' is not a privilege earned by who can drive there fastest; it is a passing lane.
Source: Standard state driver handbook, Lane Use

Practice more questions

This question is from our DMV Permit Practice Tests practice test. Take the full practice test to test your knowledge across all Lane Positioning and other topics.

Take the DMV Permit practice test →

About this topic: Lane Positioning

Keep right except to pass; use the rightmost lane that suits your speed and exit. Lane-discipline questions are common because lane errors cause a high share of multi-vehicle highway crashes. This is one of 6 DMV Permit questions on lane positioning, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

New to this exam? Our DMV Permit exam guide explains the format, scoring, and how to prepare.

Related questions

Lane Positioning

When sharing the road with a bicyclist, you should:

 Lane Positioning

When is it legal to drive on the shoulder of a highway?

 Lane Positioning

In which lane should you generally drive on a multilane highway?

 Lane Positioning

On a road with two or more lanes traveling in your direction, which lane is generally intended for slower traffic and exiting?

State-specific guides

Need information for your state? Our state guides cover local requirements, fees, and what to expect on exam day.

California Texas Florida New York Pennsylvania Illinois Ohio Georgia

Recommended study materials

Study guide

DMV Permit Test Study Guide (Learner Editions)

State-by-state driver's license and learner's permit prep, road signs, and rules of the road in plain language.

Check Price → Study guide

Road Rules & Signs Workbook (Exambusters)

Targeted flashcard-style review of road signs, right-of-way rules, and speed limits for all 50 states.

Check Price → Study guide

Prepare for the Learner's Permit Test (Sterling)

Practice questions and explanations for teen and adult first-time driver license test takers.

Check Price →

As an Amazon Associate, CJ Affiliate, and AWIN publisher we earn from qualifying purchases. Links above are affiliate links. Full disclosure →