Highway and freeway driving

By the end of this topic you can

• You can use an acceleration lane to match traffic speed and merge smoothly.
• You can choose the right lane and keep right except to pass.
• You can look far ahead and keep space around your vehicle at speed.
• You can leave a freeway using the deceleration lane.
• You can deal with a missed exit safely.

What you need to know and understand

• Use the acceleration lane to build speed to match freeway traffic before merging.
• Signal, check your blind spot and merge into a gap; avoid stopping in the acceleration lane unless you have no other choice.
• Look 15 to 20 seconds ahead at freeway speeds.
• Use the left lane to pass, then return to the right when safe.
• Signal before the deceleration lane, but do not slow down until you are in it.
• Never stop or reverse on a freeway if you miss your exit; take the next one.
• Speed limits and HOV rules differ by province and road, so read the posted signs.
• Rules on whether new drivers may use high-speed highways vary by province and licence stage.

Joining the freeway

1. On the ramp, check the posted ramp speed and look for traffic on the freeway.
2. Signal early and use your mirrors and a shoulder check to find a gap.
3. In the acceleration lane, speed up to match freeway traffic.
4. Merge smoothly into the gap without forcing other drivers to brake.
5. Cancel your signal and settle into a safe following distance.
6. If the ramp joins from the left, you will enter the fastest lane, so match speed quickly.

Cruising at highway speed

• Keep right except to pass, and return to the right after passing.
• Look far ahead and check mirrors every few seconds.
• Leave space on all sides; avoid lingering beside large trucks.
• When traffic is merging from a ramp, move over a lane if it is safe, to give them room.
• Change lanes one at a time, with a signal and shoulder check each time.
• In Ontario, HOV lanes are open around the clock to vehicles with at least two people and certain other vehicles; do not cross the striped buffer.

Leaving the freeway

1. Watch for exit signs, which are placed well ahead so you can change lanes in time.
2. Move to the exit side early.
3. Signal and move into the deceleration lane at freeway speed.
4. Slow down gradually in the deceleration lane to the ramp's posted speed.
5. Check your speedometer; after high speed, slower speeds feel slower than they are.
6. Be ready to stop at the end of the ramp.

Common mistakes

• Merging too slowly from the acceleration lane. Use the lane to match traffic speed.
• Braking on the freeway before reaching the exit lane.
• Sitting in the left lane after passing.
• Reversing or stopping on the shoulder after a missed exit. Just take the next exit.
• Changing several lanes in one move.

Test yourself: Highway and freeway driving

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.