Changing Lanes and Passing

Key points

1. Before changing lanes, look over your shoulder in the direction you plan to move to check blind spots.

   Source: Handbook p. 23

   “Look over your shoulder in the direction you plan to move. Be sure no one is near the rear corners of your vehicle.”
   Connecticut Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 23

2. Change several lanes one at a time.

   Source: Handbook p. 23

   “If you want to change several lanes, take them one at a time.”
   Connecticut Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 23

3. At 55 mph you need about 10 seconds to pass, and a 10 second opening in oncoming traffic.

   Source: Handbook p. 23

   “At a speed of 55 mph, you need about 10 seconds to pass. That means you need a 10-second opening in oncoming traffic and sight-distance to pass.”
   Connecticut Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 23

4. At 55 mph you travel over 800 feet in 10 seconds, so you need over 1,600 feet to pass safely.

   Source: Handbook p. 23

   “At 55 mph, you will travel over 800 feet in 10 seconds, so will an oncoming vehicle. That means you need over 1600 feet (about one-third of a mile) to pass safely.”
   Connecticut Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 23

5. Return to your lane when you can see both headlights of the passed vehicle in your mirror.

   Source: Handbook p. 23

   “When you can see both headlights of the vehicle you just passed in your rear-view mirror, it is safe to return to the driving lane.”
   Connecticut Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 23

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

   Source: Handbook p. 23

   “Never pass on the shoulder, whether it is paved or not.”
   Connecticut Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 23

7. With fewer than 3 lanes in your direction, keep right except when passing.

   Source: Handbook p. 23

   “When your direction of travel is less than three lanes, Connecticut law requires you to drive in the right lane, except when passing.”
   Connecticut Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 23

8. You may cross a double yellow line to pass slow traffic, bicycles or parked vehicles if you can see far enough ahead.

   Source: Handbook p. 18

   “State law permits passing of slow moving traffic, and pedestrians, parked or standing vehicles, animals, bicycles, mopeds and scooters in no passing zones. You may cross over a double yellow line in these instances”
   Connecticut Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 18

Numbers to know

3 questions from the Connecticut practice test

1. 1. How much time does the Connecticut manual say you need to pass at 55 mph?

   1. About 3 seconds
   2. About 30 seconds
   3. About 10 seconds, needing a 10 second opening in oncoming traffic
   4. About 1 second
   Show answer

   About 10 seconds, needing a 10 second opening in oncoming traffic. At a speed of 55 mph you need about 10 seconds to pass, which means a 10 second opening in oncoming traffic and enough sight distance. Because you and the oncoming vehicle each cover over 800 feet in that time, you need over 1,600 feet, about a third of a mile, and oncoming cars at that distance seem slower than they are.

2. 2. How much clear road does the Connecticut manual say you need to pass safely at 55 mph?

   1. Over 1,600 feet, about one third of a mile
   2. About 5 miles
   3. About 200 feet
   4. About 500 feet
   Show answer

   Over 1,600 feet, about one third of a mile. At 55 mph you travel over 800 feet in 10 seconds, and so does an oncoming vehicle, so you need over 1,600 feet, about one third of a mile, to pass safely. It is hard to judge the speed of oncoming vehicles at that distance; they do not seem to be coming as fast as they really are. When in doubt, wait.

3. 3. A farm tractor displays an orange slow-moving vehicle decal. How should you respond?

   1. Pass without checking because the decal gives you priority
   2. Follow closely until the tractor reaches a hill
   3. Assume the tractor will turn left at the next driveway
   4. Slow early and allow room rather than approaching at the traffic speed
   Show answer

   Slow early and allow room rather than approaching at the traffic speed. The orange triangle warns that a farm tractor, animal-drawn vehicle, or roadway maintenance vehicle generally travels at 25 mph or less. Seeing it early gives you time to change lanes or reduce speed smoothly. Following close removes that cushion, and the emblem does not reveal a turn or grant passing priority. Use the warning as a cue to scan ahead, predict possible slowdowns, and leave generous space.

Source: the Connecticut Driver's Manual, 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.