DMV Permit · Highway Driving

What is the correct procedure for exiting a highway?

  1. A Slow to exit ramp speed before leaving the highway
  2. B Move to the exit lane early, reduce speed gradually once you enter the deceleration lane (not on the highway itself), signal in advance, and exit at the speed appropriate for the ramp
  3. C Signal at the last moment to avoid slowing other traffic
  4. D Brake sharply on the highway just before the exit

Why this is the answer

HIGHWAY EXITS require advance preparation because slowing on the highway itself (rather than in the deceleration lane) creates rear-end crash risk. PROPER TECHNIQUE: (1) WATCH FOR EXIT SIGNS EARLY: Most exits have signs at 1 mile, 1/2 mile, and at the exit; use these as prompts to begin positioning; (2) MOVE TO THE RIGHT LANE early — if you are in the left or center lane, begin moving right when you see the 1-mile sign; (3) SIGNAL: Signal your intent to exit before reaching the deceleration lane; (4) ENTER THE DECELERATION LANE: Move smoothly into the dedicated exit lane (deceleration lane) when it begins; (5) REDUCE SPEED IN THE DECELERATION LANE: This is where you brake, not on the highway itself; (6) MATCH RAMP SPEED: Reduce to the speed appropriate for the ramp (usually posted); (7) COMPLETE THE EXIT. COMMON MISTAKES: (1) Late exit — noticing the exit too late and braking hard on the highway, or worse, cutting across several lanes; if you miss your exit, take the next one — never reverse on a highway or emergency stop in a travel lane; (2) Early braking — reducing speed on the highway before entering the deceleration lane; (3) Speeding through ramps — highway speeds carry over but ramp curves have much lower safe speeds. SPEED ADVISORY SIGNS on ramps: Yellow speed advisory signs (e.g., 35 mph on a circular ramp) indicate the safe speed for that curve — your vehicle may tip or skid at higher speeds.
Source: State DMV handbooks, Highway Driving, Exiting the Highway

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