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DMV Permit · Highway Driving

What is the correct way to merge onto a freeway from an on-ramp?

  1. A Stop at the end of the ramp and wait for a gap
  2. B Use the acceleration lane to match the speed of freeway traffic, signal, find a gap, and merge smoothly
  3. C Merge slowly regardless of traffic speed
  4. D Cross all lanes immediately after merging

Why this is the answer

To merge onto a freeway, use the on-ramp's acceleration lane to build up to the speed of the traffic on the freeway, signal your intention, check mirrors and your blind spot, identify a safe gap, and merge smoothly into the nearest lane. Matching the flow of traffic is key — merging too slowly forces fast traffic to brake or swerve, while stopping on the ramp (unless traffic is stopped) is dangerous. After merging, stay in the right lane until you are comfortable and avoid immediately cutting across multiple lanes. Smooth, speed-matched merging is essential highway-driving skill.
Source: Standard driver handbook, Freeway Merging

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