Turns, Lane Changes and Passing

Key points

1. Before turning right on red, stop completely and check for opposing traffic and pedestrians.

   Source: Handbook p. 25

   “a complete stop and a check for opposing traffic must be made before turning right.”
   Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, Handbook p. 25

2. Turn on your signal at least 100 feet before a lane change.

   Source: Handbook p. 49

   “Turn on your signal at least 100 feet before the lane change.”
   Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, Handbook p. 49

3. Look over your shoulder in the direction you plan to move; mirrors do not show blind spots.

   Source: Handbook p. 49

   “Look over your shoulder in the direction you plan to move. Your rearview and side mirrors will not allow you to see vehicles in your blind spots.”
   Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, Handbook p. 49

4. At 55 mph you need about 10 seconds to pass, a 10 second gap in oncoming traffic.

   Source: Handbook p. 62

   “At a speed of 55 mph, you need about ten (10) seconds to pass. This means you need a ten (10) second gap in oncoming traffic and sight distance to pass.”
   Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, Handbook p. 62

5. At 55 mph you travel over 800 feet in 10 seconds, so you need over 1600 feet, or 1/3 of a mile.

   Source: Handbook p. 62

   “At 55 mph you and your oncoming vehicle(s) will travel over 800 feet in ten (10) seconds. This means a driver will need over 1600 feet or 1/3 of a mile to safely pass.”
   Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, Handbook p. 62

6. Never pass within 1/3 of a mile of a hill or curve.

   Source: Handbook p. 62

   “Drivers should not pass if you are within, 1/3 of a mile of a hill or curve.”
   Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, Handbook p. 62

7. Never pass on the shoulder, paved or not.

   Source: Handbook p. 32

   “Never pass on the shoulder, whether it is paved or not.”
   Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, Handbook p. 32

8. At night, return to your lane when both headlights of the passed vehicle show in your mirror.

   Source: Handbook p. 63

   “At night, when you can see both headlights of the vehicle you passed in your rear-view mirror, it is safe to return to the driving lane.”
   Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, Handbook p. 63

Numbers to know

3 questions from the Arkansas practice test

1. 1. How much time and space does an Arkansas driver need to pass at 55 mph?

   1. About 3 seconds and 300 feet
   2. About 30 seconds and one mile
   3. About 10 seconds, needing a 10 second gap and over 1,600 feet of clear road
   4. About 1 second and 100 feet
   Show answer

   About 10 seconds, needing a 10 second gap and over 1,600 feet of clear road. At a speed of 55 mph you need about ten seconds to pass, which means a ten second gap in oncoming traffic and enough sight distance. Because you and the oncoming vehicle each cover about 800 feet in that time, you need over 1,600 feet, about a third of a mile, of clear road. Pass only one vehicle at a time and look ahead for anything that could enter your lane.

2. 2. How far before a lane change should you activate your turn signal?

   1. Only after entering the new lane
   2. At least 10 feet
   3. At least 100 feet
   4. At least 500 feet in every situation
   Show answer

   At least 100 feet. The manual instructs drivers to turn on the signal at least 100 feet before a lane change. That advance warning gives traffic behind and beside you time to recognize the planned movement and react. Signaling only after entering the new lane defeats the warning, while 10 feet may leave almost no time for another driver to respond. Check mirrors and the blind spot as well, because a signal does not grant permission to move into an occupied lane. Use the 100-foot distance as a planning point, then change lanes only when clear.

3. 3. Before turning right on red in Arkansas, what must a driver do?

   1. Slow down and turn without stopping if the lane looks clear
   2. Make a complete stop and check for opposing traffic and pedestrians
   3. Wait for a green arrow even when no sign restricts the turn
   4. Stop in the crosswalk to improve the view
   Show answer

   Make a complete stop and check for opposing traffic and pedestrians. A right turn on red begins with a complete stop and a check for opposing traffic. The driver must also look for pedestrians in or near the crosswalk and must not block or stop within that crosswalk. A clear-looking lane does not remove the stop requirement, and a green arrow is not automatically required unless another signal or sign controls the movement. Check for a sign prohibiting right on red, stop at the proper line, yield to road users with priority, and turn only after the path is safe.

Source: the Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, Chapters 3 to 5: Turning, Changing Lanes and Passing. 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.