247SimpleTests
DMV Permit · Lane Use

If you are in a lane that ends ('lane drop'), you should:

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 early, move into the adjacent open lane when safe, and merge well before the lane physically ends

  1. A Drive on the shoulder
  2. B Stop in the lane
  3. C Signal early, move into the adjacent open lane when safe, and merge well before the lane physically ends
  4. D Force your way into the next lane at the last moment

Why this is the answer

When your lane is ending (a 'lane drop'), the responsible behavior is to: identify the lane drop early (signs typically warn 1/2 mile and again 1/4 mile ahead); signal early; check for a gap in the adjacent lane; merge smoothly while there is still plenty of road remaining. The 'zipper merge' technique, where vehicles alternate from both lanes at the merge point, is encouraged in some states because it uses all available road space. Last-second forced merges create conflict and are a leading cause of low-speed collisions in construction zones and lane reductions. Plan ahead, do not race other drivers to the merge point.
Source: State driver handbooks, Lane Drops

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 Use and other topics.

Take the Rules of the Road practice test →

About this topic: Lane Use

Lane use questions cover choosing the correct lane, lane markings (solid versus broken lines), HOV lanes, centre turn lanes, passing on the right and keeping right except to pass. This is one of 8 Rules of the Road questions on lane use, 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 Use

On a multi-lane highway, when should you use the leftmost lane?

 Lane Use

What is a 'high occupancy vehicle' (HOV) lane?

 Lane Use

Under what circumstances may a driver cross a solid yellow centre line to pass?

 Lane Use

A driver is on a highway on-ramp preparing to merge. What is the proper merging technique?

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 →