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, return to the right lane when you can see the entire front or both headlights of the passed vehicle in your mirror.

   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. You may pass on the right when the other driver is turning left.

   Source: Handbook p. 27

   “The driver of the other vehicle is turning left (never pass to the left of a driver who has signaled a left turn).”
   Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide, Handbook p. 27

6. Do not pass where there is a double solid line or a solid line on your side.

   Source: Handbook p. 28

   “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, along with other places such as hills and curves where you cannot see far enough ahead. Passing requires enough sight distance to complete the maneuver before meeting oncoming traffic. Structures narrow the road and hide what is beyond them, so wait until you are clear and the road ahead is open.

3. 3. Which roadway marking prohibits passing when it is a double solid line?

   1. A lane on the opposite side only
   2. A broken white line between same-direction lanes
   3. A shoulder boundary with no other marking
   4. The lane where the driver is traveling
   Show answer

   The lane where the driver is traveling. A double solid line or solid dividing line on the lane where you are driving is a no-passing condition. A marking on the opposite side does not by itself describe the lane restriction in this rule. A broken white line separates same-direction lanes and may be crossed after signaling when safe, while a shoulder boundary is not a passing authorization. Before moving around another vehicle, scan the center markings well ahead and wait until the restriction ends and the full maneuver is legal.

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.