Signaling, passing and U turns

Key points

1. Signal at least 100 feet, about 4 seconds, before you turn.

   Source: Handbook p. 26

   “Signal at least 100 feet (approximately 4 seconds) before you turn so other drivers will have time to react.”
   Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide, Handbook p. 26

2. Signaling does not give you the right of way.

   Source: Handbook p. 27

   “Signaling does not give you the right-of-way.”
   Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide, Handbook p. 27

3. After passing, when you can see the entire front or both headlights of the passed vehicle in your mirror, look over your shoulder to be sure the lane is clear.

   Source: Handbook p. 27

   “When you can see the entire front or both headlights of the vehicle you passed in your rearview mirror, look over your shoulder to be sure the lane is clear”
   Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide, Handbook p. 27

4. Never speed up when another vehicle is passing you.

   Source: Handbook p. 27

   “Never speed up when another vehicle is passing you.”
   Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide, Handbook p. 27

5. Passing on the right is permitted only when it is safe, for example when the other driver is turning left.

   Source: Handbook p. 27

   “Passing on the right is permitted only when it is safe and: • The driver of the other vehicle is turning left”
   Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide, Handbook p. 27

6. You must not pass where there is a double solid line or a solid dividing line on your lane.

   Source: Handbook p. 28

   “You must not pass when: • There is a double solid line or a solid dividing line on the lane in which you are driving.”
   Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide, Handbook p. 28

7. Do not pass within 100 feet of a street crossing or railroad crossing.

   Source: Handbook p. 28

   “Approaching within 100 feet of a street crossing. • Approaching within 100 feet of a railroad crossing.”
   Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide, Handbook p. 28

8. Do not pass within 100 feet of a bridge, tunnel or underpass where your view is blocked.

   Source: Handbook p. 28

   “Within 100 feet of a bridge, tunnel, or underpass where your view is blocked.”
   Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide, Handbook p. 28

9. U turns are allowed if safe, they do not interfere with traffic, and no sign prohibits them.

   Source: Handbook p. 37

   “U-turns are permitted as long as the movement can be made safely, does not interfere with other traffic and is not prohibited by signs.”
   Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide, Handbook p. 37

10. Do not pass another vehicle stopped for a pedestrian, even with a clear lane or green light.

    Source: Handbook p. 36

    “You may not pass another vehicle that is stopped for a pedestrian, even if you have a clear lane or a green traffic signal.”
    Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide, Handbook p. 36

Numbers to know

3 questions from the Arizona practice test

1. 1. When may a driver pass on the right because the vehicle ahead is turning?

   1. When the other driver is turning right and the shoulder is clear
   2. Whenever the other driver slows without signaling
   3. When the other driver is turning left and it is safe
   4. Only after crossing the center line
   Show answer

   When the other driver is turning left and it is safe. Arizona allows passing on the right when the other driver is turning left, but the maneuver must still be safe. Passing a vehicle turning right is not the listed condition, and a clear shoulder does not authorize leaving the paved or main roadway. Slowing without a signal gives no automatic permission to pass. Crossing the center line changes the maneuver and may create a head-on conflict. Look for the left-turn signal, confirm there is a lawful lane or marked roadway space, and proceed only with adequate room.

2. 2. Where does the Arizona manual prohibit passing near a bridge, tunnel or underpass?

   1. Within 500 feet
   2. Within 100 feet of a bridge, tunnel or underpass where your view is blocked
   3. Within one mile
   4. Only inside the tunnel itself
   Show answer

   Within 100 feet of a bridge, tunnel or underpass where your view is blocked. You may not pass within 100 feet of a bridge, tunnel or underpass where your view is blocked. The same list bars passing on a double solid line or solid dividing line, approaching a curve or the top of a hill where you cannot see ahead to be sure of safe passing, and within 100 feet of a street crossing or a railroad crossing. The distance is 100 feet, not 500 feet or one mile, and it applies before the structure, not only inside a tunnel. Wait until your view ahead is clear.

3. 3. Arizona says you must not pass when a double solid line or a solid dividing line is on which lane?

   1. Only on the lane for oncoming traffic
   2. Between same-direction lanes marked with broken white lines
   3. Along the shoulder edge of the road
   4. On the lane in which you are driving
   Show answer

   On the lane in which you are driving. Arizona lists a double solid line or a solid dividing line on the lane in which you are driving as a place where you must not pass. The line that matters is the one on your own lane, so a rule limited to the oncoming lane misses the point. Broken white lines separate lanes of traffic going in the same direction and are not the solid line this rule describes, and a shoulder edge line is not part of it either. Check the marking beside your lane well ahead before you start any pass.

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.