Passing, turning, U turns and signals

Key points

1. The left lane is for passing only, not cruising.

   Source: Handbook p. 17

   “The left lane is for passing only, not cruising.”
   Virginia Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 17

2. Return to the right lane as soon as you can see the front of the passed vehicle in your rearview mirror.

   Source: Handbook p. 17

   “Return to the right lane as soon as you can see the front of the passed vehicle in your rearview mirror.”
   Virginia Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 17

3. You may pass on the right if the vehicle ahead has signaled and is making a left turn.

   Source: Handbook p. 17

   “you may pass on the right if the vehicle you are passing has signaled and is making a left turn.”
   Virginia Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 17

4. Pass a bicycle, moped or similar rider at least 3 feet to the left.

   Source: Handbook p. 17

   “when approaching or passing a person riding a bicycle, moped, or power-assisted bicycle or other device, reduce speed and pass at least three feet to the left.”
   Virginia Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 17

5. Passing is unlawful on hills, curves, intersections or railroad crossings, except on roads with 2 or more lanes going your way.

   Source: Handbook p. 17

   “on hills, curves, at intersections or railroad crossings, except on roads with two or more lanes of traffic moving in the same direction”
   Virginia Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 17

6. Do not pass at a crosswalk when the vehicle ahead or in the next lane has stopped.

   Source: Handbook p. 18

   “when approaching a crosswalk and the vehicle ahead of you or the lane next to you is stopped”
   Virginia Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 18

7. Signal at least 3 or 4 seconds, 100 feet, before you turn.

   Source: Handbook p. 18

   “When you plan to turn, signal three or four seconds, 100 feet, ahead of your turn.”
   Virginia Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 18

8. Keep your front wheels straight while waiting to turn left so a rear end crash does not push you into oncoming traffic.

   Source: Handbook p. 18

   “Keep your front wheels pointed straight ahead until you are actually going to make the left turn.”
   Virginia Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 18

9. In business districts, cities and towns, U turns are allowed only at intersections, and never on a highway.

   Source: Handbook p. 18

   “In business districts, cities and towns, U-turns are allowed only at intersections. Never make a U-turn on a highway.”
   Virginia Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 18

10. The hand signal for a left turn is the arm straight out, for a right turn the arm up, and for slow or stop the arm down.

    Source: Handbook p. 18

    “Left Turn Left hand and arm pointing straight out Right Turn Left hand and arm pointing upward Slow or Stop Left hand and arm pointing downward”
    Virginia Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 18

Numbers to know

3 questions from the Virginia practice test

1. 1. When is passing unlawful and unsafe under the Virginia manual’s listed examples?

   1. Whenever the road has two lanes moving in the same direction
   2. Only when a driver is traveling below the speed limit
   3. On hills, curves, intersections, or railroad crossings, subject to the stated exception
   4. Whenever the vehicle ahead is smaller than yours
   Show answer

   On hills, curves, intersections, or railroad crossings, subject to the stated exception. The manual lists hills, curves, intersections, and railroad crossings among places where passing is unlawful and unsafe, except on roads with two or more lanes moving in the same direction. The two-lane same-direction answer reverses that exception by treating every such road as prohibited. A low speed does not create a general passing ban, and the size of the vehicle ahead is not the deciding condition. Before passing, scan for the road feature and lane arrangement, obey the marking, and wait until the maneuver is lawful and visible to other traffic.

2. 2. When you plan to change lanes, turn, or enter or exit a highway, what should you do first?

   1. Sound the horn twice and continue
   2. Brake hard without signaling
   3. Give the proper turn signal
   4. Move immediately before checking traffic
   Show answer

   Give the proper turn signal. Virginia places the turn signal before the maneuver when a driver plans to change lanes, turn, or enter or exit a highway. Signaling communicates the intended movement to nearby drivers, but it does not give permission to move into an occupied space. Braking hard without signaling can surprise traffic behind you, and sounding the horn is not a substitute for the required signal. Moving immediately before checking traffic skips the safety check. Signal first, then inspect mirrors and blind spots, and complete the movement only when the lane or turn path is clear.

3. 3. When may a vehicle on the solid yellow line side cross the line?

   1. To pass only after sunset when traffic is lighter
   2. To pass any slower vehicle whenever the opposite lane looks open
   3. To change lanes whenever a driver behind signals
   4. To pass pedestrians, bicyclists, or listed small-wheeled riders when the opposite lane is clear and passing is safe
   Show answer

   To pass pedestrians, bicyclists, or listed small-wheeled riders when the opposite lane is clear and passing is safe. Virginia gives the solid-line side a narrow exception rather than general passing permission. That vehicle may cross the line only to pass pedestrians, bicyclists, and riders of scooters or skateboards, and only when the opposite lane is clear and the maneuver can be completed safely. A slower car does not qualify, and a following driver’s signal cannot authorize crossing. Darkness also has no role in the rule. Before moving over, identify the road user you are passing, check the opposite lane, and leave enough room to return without creating a conflict.

Source: the Virginia Driver's Manual, Section 3: Safe Driving. 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.