Passing, signaling, lane changes and turns

Key points

1. It is unlawful to pass in a no passing zone or to speed while passing.

   Source: Handbook p. 53

   “Pass in any marked no-passing zones. Exceed the posted speed limit when passing.”
   Nebraska Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 53

2. Do not pass within 100 feet of an intersection or a railroad crossing.

   Source: Handbook p. 53

   “Pass within 100 feet of any intersection. Pass within 100 feet of any railroad crossing.”
   Nebraska Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 53

3. Stay at least 3 seconds behind the vehicle ahead before passing.

   Source: Handbook p. 53

   “Stay at least three seconds behind the vehicle ahead.”
   Nebraska Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 53

4. When being passed, stay in your lane and keep your speed unless there is an emergency.

   Source: Handbook p. 54

   “When another vehicle is passing, stay in the lane and maintain speed unless there is an emergency.”
   Nebraska Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 54

5. Signal at least 100 feet before turning or moving right or left.

   Source: Handbook p. 54

   “Signal at least 100 feet before turning, or moving right or left.”
   Nebraska Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 54

6. Before changing lanes, signal, check your mirrors, and check over your shoulder for blind spots.

   Source: Handbook p. 55

   “Signal. Check in rear view and side mirrors. Check over left or right shoulder. Check blind spots.”
   Nebraska Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 55

7. Do not change lanes in an intersection.

   Source: Handbook p. 55

   “Change lanes. DO NOT change lanes in an intersection.”
   Nebraska Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 55

8. Make a right turn as close as practical to the right side of the road.

   Source: Handbook p. 55

   “A right turn shall be made as close as practical to the right side of the road or street.”
   Nebraska Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 55

Numbers to know

3 questions from the Nebraska practice test

1. 1. How far before turning or moving right or left should a Nebraska driver signal?

   1. At least 25 feet before the movement
   2. Only after beginning the turn
   3. At least 100 feet before the movement
   4. Only when another vehicle is directly behind
   Show answer

   At least 100 feet before the movement. Nebraska's signaling guidance gives following drivers and other road users advance notice: signal at least 100 feet before turning or moving right or left. Waiting until the maneuver starts deprives others of time to react, while 25 feet understates the distance in the manual. The duty is not limited to situations where a vehicle is already behind you, because a pedestrian, bicyclist, or unseen driver may also need the warning. Make the signal part of the preparation sequence, before braking or changing position, and keep checking that the intended path is clear.

2. 2. How far before a turn or lane change should a driver signal an intention?

   1. At least 500 feet in every situation
   2. At least 25 feet
   3. Only after beginning the movement
   4. At least 100 feet
   Show answer

   At least 100 feet. Nebraska's defensive driving guidance says to signal intentions at least 100 feet before planning to change direction. Signaling after the movement begins gives surrounding drivers no useful warning, and 25 feet is too late for many approaches. The manual does not require 500 feet in every situation. Activate the signal while still traveling predictably, check mirrors and blind spots, then move only when the path is clear. A useful habit is to signal before braking for the turn, not as the steering wheel starts moving.

3. 3. When a broken yellow center line is on the driver's side, when may passing occur?

   1. At any time, because a broken line gives unlimited permission
   2. Whenever the driver is below the posted speed limit
   3. Only after an approaching vehicle has entered the shoulder
   4. When the way ahead is clear and the pass can be made with care
   Show answer

   When the way ahead is clear and the pass can be made with care. A broken yellow center line permits passing on the left only when the way ahead is clear. The driver must still account for oncoming traffic, sight distance, speed, and any other restriction. Being under the speed limit does not make an unsafe pass lawful. A broken line is permission under a condition, not an invitation to cross whenever desired. Check far enough ahead for vehicles and obstructions, signal, and return to the proper lane without forcing another road user to react.

Source: the Nebraska Driver's Manual, Section 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.