Connecticut permit test: changing lanes and passing
Changing lanes and passing safely. 11 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember8 key changing lanes and passing rulesShow the rules
- Don't pass where vehicles are likely to enter or cross the road, such as intersections, railroad crossings and shopping center entrances. (p. 25, State of Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023) (opens the handbook))
- Mirrors leave blind spots near the rear corners of your car. (p. 25, State of Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023) (opens the handbook))
- With fewer than three lanes in your direction, keep to the right lane. (p. 25, State of Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023) (opens the handbook))
- Never pass on the shoulder, paved or not. (p. 25, State of Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023) (opens the handbook))
- Don't count on having time to pass several vehicles at once. (p. 25, State of Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023) (opens the handbook))
- At 55 mph you need about 10 seconds to pass, so you need a 10-second opening in oncoming traffic. (p. 25, State of Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023) (opens the handbook))
- Change lanes one at a time. (p. 25, State of Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023) (opens the handbook))
- Return to the driving lane when you can see both headlights of the car you passed in your rearview mirror. (p. 25, State of Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023) (opens the handbook))
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample changing lanes and passing questions
1.On a two-lane road, where is it dangerous to pass even without a no-passing sign?
- ABehind a slow-moving farm tractor
- BNear intersections and railroad crossings
- COn a long, straight stretch of road
- DOn a dry and sunny afternoon
Show the answer
✓ B. Near intersections and railroad crossings
Don't pass where vehicles are likely to enter or cross the road, such as intersections, railroad crossings and shopping center entrances.
Source: State of Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023), page 25
2.Your direction of travel has two lanes. Which lane does Connecticut law require you to use when you're not passing?
- AThe right lane
- BWhichever is less crowded
- CEither lane
- DThe left lane
Show the answer
✓ A. The right lane
With fewer than three lanes in your direction, keep to the right lane. Use the left lane only to pass, or to get ready for a left turn or left exit.
Source: State of Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023), page 25
3.Traffic ahead is crawling, and the paved right shoulder is empty. May you use it to pass?
- AYes, if it is paved
- BOnly in heavy traffic
- CYes, at a low speed
- DNo, never on the shoulder
Show the answer
✓ D. No, never on the shoulder
Never pass on the shoulder, paved or not. Other drivers won't expect you there and may pull off without looking.
Source: State of Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023), page 25
4.Your side of the highway has two lanes. You are not passing, but your exit is on the left. May you use the left lane?
- AOnly if the right lane is full
- BYes, to exit or turn left
- COnly at speeds over 55 mph
- DNo, only to pass a car
Show the answer
✓ B. Yes, to exit or turn left
With fewer than three lanes in your direction, you must keep right except when passing, but you may move left to make a left turn or exit on the left.
Source: State of Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023), page 25