Freeway and highway driving

Key points

1. Traffic entering a freeway must yield to traffic already on it.

   Source: Handbook p. 31

   “Traffic entering a freeway must yield right-of-way to traffic already on the freeway.”
   Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide, Handbook p. 31

2. It is illegal to drive over or park in any part of a gore area, the space between the roadway and a ramp.

   Source: Handbook p. 32

   “It is against the law to drive over or park in any part of a gore area. A gore area is the space between a through roadway and an entrance or exit ramp.”
   Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide, Handbook p. 32

3. If you miss your exit, do not stop or back up; take the next exit.

   Source: Handbook p. 32

   “If you miss your exit, do not stop. Never back up on a highway. Get off the highway at the next exit”
   Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide, Handbook p. 32

4. To signal for help on the freeway, turn on your emergency flashers or raise the hood.

   Source: Handbook p. 32

   “To signal for assistance on the freeway, turn on your emergency flashers or raise the hood of the car.”
   Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide, Handbook p. 32

5. For a disabled vehicle, reduce speed, move over and pass with caution.

   Source: Handbook p. 32

   “If you approach a disabled vehicle, reduce your speed, move over, and proceed around the disabled vehicle with caution.”
   Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide, Handbook p. 32

6. You may not drive with fewer than 2 people in an HOV lane at its posted weekday times.

   Source: Handbook p. 33

   “You may not drive a vehicle carrying fewer than two persons, including the driver, in an HOV lane at the posted times Monday through Friday.”
   Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide, Handbook p. 33

7. On freeways, never make a U turn or cross the median.

   Source: Handbook p. 33

   “Drive over or across any median or divided highway separation. • Make a U-turn.”
   Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide, Handbook p. 33

8. Stay right and use the left lane only for passing.

   Source: Handbook p. 33

   “Stay to the right and only use the left lane for passing.”
   Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide, Handbook p. 33

9. Farm machinery usually travels at 25 mph or less and may take up more than one lane.

   Source: Handbook p. 52

   “Farm machinery usually travels at 25 mph or less, may take up more than one lane of the road, and may not have signals.”
   Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide, Handbook p. 52

10. To gain control of your vehicle in a strong wind, slow down.

    Source: Handbook p. 54

    “To gain more control over your vehicle in a strong wind, slow down.”
    Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide, Handbook p. 54

Numbers to know

3 questions from the Arizona practice test

1. 1. You miss your exit on an Arizona freeway. What must you do?

   1. Back up on the shoulder to the exit
   2. Continue to the next exit
   3. Make a U turn through the median
   4. Stop and wait for a gap to reverse
   Show answer

   Continue to the next exit. Never back up if you miss an exit; you must go on to the next exit. Backing on a freeway puts a slow or stopped vehicle in the path of traffic moving at highway speed, and U turns through the median are illegal. Losing a few minutes to the next interchange is far safer than either. Plan lane changes early so you are in the exit lane in time.

2. 2. What speed may farm machinery and other slow-moving vehicles usually travel at?

   1. 35 mph or less
   2. 25 mph or less
   3. 45 mph or less
   4. The posted limit in every case
   Show answer

   25 mph or less. Farm machinery and other slow-moving vehicles usually travel at 25 mph or less, so a driver should expect a large speed difference and allow extra following room. The higher figures in the other choices can make the vehicle seem closer to ordinary traffic speed than it really is. The posted limit does not guarantee that farm equipment can travel that fast. Reduce speed early, watch for a wide turn, and do not assume the machine can move aside quickly.

3. 3. What is the safest adjustment when strong crosswinds make your vehicle harder to control?

   1. Increase speed to reduce the time in the wind
   2. Release the steering wheel so the vehicle can center itself
   3. Slow down and prepare for steering corrections
   4. Drive close beside a large truck for shelter
   Show answer

   Slow down and prepare for steering corrections. Strong crosswinds reduce vehicle control, especially when a driver moves from a protected area into an open space. Slowing down gives the tires and driver more time to manage a sideways push. Releasing the wheel removes control, and speeding up reduces reaction time. A large truck can create additional air movement rather than dependable shelter. Keep both hands ready, watch the lane edges, and make smooth steering corrections as gusts change.

Source: the Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide, Section 2: Safe Driving Practices. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.