Arizona permit test: freeways, lanes and passing

Passing and no-passing rules, entering and exiting freeways, lane use, gore areas, HOV lanes and freeway restrictions. 16 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.

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Rules to remember10 key freeways, lanes and passing rulesShow the rules

When someone wants to pass, move to the right when safe and let them pass. (p. 27)
You must never pass on the right by driving off the paved or main part of the road. (p. 28)
Never pass near a curve or hilltop when you cannot see far enough ahead to know passing is safe. (p. 28)
Do not pass within 100 feet of a railroad crossing, a street crossing, or a bridge, tunnel or underpass where your view is blocked. (p. 28)
Traffic entering a freeway must yield to traffic already on it; entering drivers are responsible for merging safely. (p. 31)
On all roadways with two or more lanes, drive on the right half except when passing or when signs say otherwise. (p. 32)
If you miss your exit, do not stop and never back up. (p. 32)
During posted HOV times, vehicles with fewer than two people may not use the lane, but motorcycles and buses are allowed. (p. 33)
HOV lanes are marked with white diamonds in the roadway. (p. 33)
With three lanes in your direction, use the far left lane for passing and the far right lane for slower through traffic. (p. 33)

Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.

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Sample freeways, lanes and passing questions

1.You are climbing a hill on a two-lane road behind a slow car and cannot see over the top. What should you do?
- APass quickly before the hilltop
- BPass if there is a broken yellow line
- CPass if you flash your headlights first
- DStay behind it until you can see ahead
Show the answer
✓ D. Stay behind it until you can see ahead
Never pass near a curve or hilltop when you cannot see far enough ahead to know passing is safe.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual (99-0117) (Revised September 2026), page 28
2.Traffic ahead of you has stopped, and the paved road has no room on the right. May you use the dirt shoulder to pass on the right?
- ANo, you may never leave the pavement to pass
- BYes, if you go slower than 15 mph
- CYes, if a car ahead is turning left
- DYes, on roads with two lanes each way
Show the answer
✓ A. No, you may never leave the pavement to pass
You must never pass on the right by driving off the paved or main part of the road.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual (99-0117) (Revised September 2026), page 28
3.At a freeway exit, what is true about the gore area between the through lanes and the ramp?
- AYou may cross it if you signal first
- BYou may park in it in heavy traffic
- CIt is illegal to drive over or park in it
- DYou may drive across it to reach a missed exit
Show the answer
✓ C. It is illegal to drive over or park in it
A gore area is the space between a through road and an entrance or exit ramp. It is against the law to drive over or park in any part of it.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual (99-0117) (Revised September 2026), page 32
4.You realize you just missed your freeway exit. What should you do?
- ATake the next exit and find your way back
- BCross the gore area to reach the ramp
- CStop on the shoulder and back up
- DMake a U-turn across the median
Show the answer
✓ A. Take the next exit and find your way back
If you miss your exit, do not stop and never back up. Take the next exit and follow signs to rejoin the road.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual (99-0117) (Revised September 2026), page 32