Signaling, lane use and highway driving

Key points

1. Before any turn, merge or lane change, check your mirrors and blind spot, signal, then move.

   Source: Handbook p. 93

   “Check your mirrors for traffic behind you and check your blind spot on the side you are moving or turning toward. 2. Signal your intent to move. 3. Make your move.”
   Massachusetts Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 93

2. Use the right lane unless you are passing, turning left, or the right lane is blocked.

   Source: Handbook p. 94

   “use the right lane for driving unless... • You are passing another vehicle. • You are making a left turn. • The right lane is blocked.”
   Massachusetts Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 94

3. Never change lanes in the middle of an intersection.

   Source: Handbook p. 94

   “Never change lanes in the middle of an intersection. It is illegal and dangerous.”
   Massachusetts Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 94

4. At a curve where you cannot see ahead, keep to the right and slow down.

   Source: Handbook p. 94

   “you come to a curve in the road and cannot see ahead, keep to the right and slow down.”
   Massachusetts Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 94

5. Yield to drivers already on the highway, and match their speed when you enter.

   Source: Handbook p. 95

   “Yield the right-of-way to drivers already on the highway. • When you enter a highway, increase your speed to match vehicles already on the road.”
   Massachusetts Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 95

6. If you miss your exit, never stop or back up.

   Source: Handbook p. 95

   “If you miss your exit, do not stop. Never back up on the highway.”
   Massachusetts Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 95

7. Signal your exit at least 500 feet before the exit ramp.

   Source: Handbook p. 95

   “Be sure to signal your exit at least 500 feet before you reach the exit ramp.”
   Massachusetts Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 95

8. On a long drive, stop and stretch every 2 hours or 100 miles.

   Source: Handbook p. 96

   “If you plan to drive far, stop and stretch every two hours or every 100 miles.”
   Massachusetts Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 96

9. If your vehicle breaks down, move to the breakdown lane or shoulder and stay in your vehicle.

   Source: Handbook p. 96

   “If your vehicle breaks down, move it to the breakdown lane or shoulder and as far from the travel lane as you can. Stay in your vehicle.”
   Massachusetts Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 96

10. It is illegal to block an intersection.

    Source: Handbook p. 96

    “It is illegal to block an intersection with your vehicle.”
    Massachusetts Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 96

Numbers to know

3 questions from the Massachusetts practice test

1. 1. What does the Massachusetts manual say to do before changing lanes?

   1. Change lanes first, then signal
   2. Sound the horn and move over
   3. Signal early and check twice
   4. Slow down sharply before moving
   Show answer

   Signal early and check twice. A lane change goes wrong in the blind spot, so the manual's advice is short: signal early, then check twice, once in the mirrors and once over your shoulder, before you move. Signaling after the move defeats the purpose, the horn is not a lane change tool, and braking hard before moving invites a rear end collision. On highways the manual asks for extra attention during lane changes and merges because closing speeds are higher.

2. 2. What does the Massachusetts manual tell drivers to do near a curve or any place where they cannot see clearly ahead?

   1. Always slow down
   2. Move to the center of the road for a better view
   3. Flash the high beams to warn oncoming drivers
   4. Maintain speed to keep momentum through the curve
   Show answer

   Always slow down. Curves and blind spots share the same rule: slow down before you get there. A vehicle is more likely to leave the road at a curve, and anything hidden beyond a crest or bend leaves you no time if you arrive fast. Holding speed for momentum is a racing idea, not a driving manual one. Moving toward the center puts you in the path of oncoming traffic, and flashing high beams does not reveal the road ahead. Keep to the right and ease off before the curve, not in it.

3. 3. What speed limits are usual on Massachusetts highways, according to the manual?

   1. Between 25 and 35 mph
   2. 75 mph or more
   3. Between 45 and 65 mph
   4. Under 40 mph
   Show answer

   Between 45 and 65 mph. Highway speed limits are usually between 45 and 65 mph on expressways and freeways such as Routes 90, 495 and 128, which are entered and exited at interchanges. Yield to drivers already on the highway when merging, use the right lane for driving unless passing, and take extra care exiting where breakdown lanes serve as travel lanes during posted hours.

Source: the Massachusetts Driver's Manual, Chapter 4: Rules of the Road. 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.