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DMV Permit · Emergencies

What is the proper procedure when you want to change lanes?

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

Signal, check mirrors, check your blind spot by looking over your shoulder, and change lanes only when it is safe

  1. A Signal, check mirrors, check your blind spot by looking over your shoulder, and change lanes only when it is safe
  2. B Only check the rearview mirror
  3. C Honk and change lanes immediately
  4. D Change quickly without signaling

Why this is the answer

To change lanes safely: (1) SIGNAL your intention in advance; (2) CHECK your MIRRORS (rearview and side); (3) CHECK your BLIND SPOT by looking over your shoulder (mirrors don't show everything — vehicles can hide in blind spots); (4) change lanes smoothly only when it's SAFE (adequate gap). DMV/permit test. The BLIND-SPOT check (head check) is critical — many collisions happen because a driver relied only on mirrors. Maintain speed and signal throughout. Knowing the proper lane-change procedure (signal, mirrors, blind-spot check, then change when safe) is a commonly tested safety procedure.
Source: DMV Permit — Lane Change Procedure

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About this topic: Emergencies

Blowouts, brake failures, off-road excursions, and skids are rare but high-stakes. Practiced responses prevent panic reactions that can turn a recoverable situation into a fatal one. This is one of 11 DMV Permit questions on emergencies, 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.

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