Lane use and changing lanes

By the end of this topic you can

• You can choose the correct lane for your speed and direction.
• You can change lanes with a full mirror, signal and shoulder check routine.
• You can avoid driving in other vehicles' blind spots.
• You can recognise lane markings that mean you must not change lanes.

What you need to know and understand

• On multi-lane roads, keep to the right unless you are passing or turning left, especially if you are slower than other traffic.
• Your main blind spots are at the rear left and rear right. Mirrors do not cover them.
• Always turn your head for a shoulder check before changing lanes.
• Signal well before you move, but a signal alone does not make it safe.
• Large trucks have big blind spots on their sides and rear. Do not linger beside them.
• Two-way left-turn lanes are for turning left only, never for passing.
• A solid line between lanes generally means you should not change lanes there.

The lane-change routine

1. Check your inside mirror and the side mirror on the side you are moving to.
2. Signal early so others know your plan.
3. Turn your head and do a quick shoulder check of your blind spot.
4. Make sure there is a big enough gap, with the vehicle behind well back in your mirror.
5. Steer gently into the new lane, keeping your speed steady.
6. Cancel your signal and settle into the lane.

Choosing a lane

• Right lane: for normal driving and for slower traffic, and before a right turn.
• Left lane: for passing and before a left turn.
• Middle lanes on wider roads: for steady through traffic.
• Follow lane arrows. A lane marked for turning means you must turn from it.
• Choose your lane early so you are not cutting across traffic at the last moment.

Staying visible

Just as you have blind spots, so does everyone else. Adjust your speed so you do not sit alongside another vehicle, especially a truck or bus. If you cannot see the truck driver's face in their side mirror, they cannot see you. Take extra care at dusk and dawn, when vehicles are harder to see.

Common mistakes

• Relying on mirrors without a shoulder check.
• Signalling and moving at the same moment.
• Changing several lanes in one sweep instead of one at a time.
• Slowing down while changing lanes.
• Cruising in the left lane when not passing.

Test yourself: Lane use and changing lanes

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

Go deeper

• Two-Way Left-Turn Lane Rules in Canada, Plus Dual Turn Lanes