Indiana permit test: lanes, passing, highways and work zones
Changing lanes, passing and being passed, rural and interstate driving, and work zones and flaggers. 15 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember8 key lanes, passing, highways and work zones rulesShow the rules
- Passing is dangerous and illegal within 100 feet of an intersection, railroad crossing, bridge, viaduct, or tunnel. (p. 43)
- Keep moving forward until you can see the vehicle you are passing in your rearview mirror, then signal and return to your lane. (p. 43)
- When another vehicle passes you on the left, let it pass safely and do not increase your speed. (p. 43)
- Dust on dirt roads can reduce visibility, so use your low beam headlights to make yourself more visible. (p. 51)
- Loose gravel reduces traction, making stopping and turning harder and skids more likely, so slow down earlier. (p. 51)
- Stay right and build speed in the acceleration lane, then merge when your path is clear. (p. 51)
- You must stop when a flagger extends the fluorescent orange/red flag horizontally into traffic, and proceed at reduced speed only when the flagger directs you. (p. 52)
- Flashing arrow boards often show a lane closure. (p. 52)
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample lanes, passing, highways and work zones questions
1.You are approaching the crest of a steep hill on a narrow rural road. What should you do?
- ASlow down, keep right, and watch for oncoming vehicles
- BMove to the center of the road for a better view
- CPass the car ahead before you reach the top
- DSpeed up so you can get over the top as quickly as possible
Show the answer
✓ A. Slow down, keep right, and watch for oncoming vehicles
A hilltop hides oncoming traffic. Ease off, keep well to your right, and look for cars coming over the top. Never pass near a crest.
Source: Indiana Driver's Manual (Published July 2026), page 51
2.In a work zone, a flashing arrow board shows a bar with no arrow pointing either way. What does it mean?
- AUse caution; you do not have to change lanes
- BMove over into the left lane right away
- CMove over into the right lane right away
- DThe road ahead is closed to all traffic
Show the answer
✓ A. Use caution; you do not have to change lanes
Flashing arrow boards often show a lane closure. A board not indicating a direction is a signal to use caution but does not require you to move to another lane.
Source: Indiana Driver's Manual (Published July 2026), page 52
3.You are 80 feet from a bridge on a two-lane road. A slow tractor is ahead. May you pass it now?
- AOnly if the tractor driver waves you around
- BNo, you may not pass within 100 feet of a bridge
- CYes, as long as no one is coming toward you
- DYes, as long as you signal before you pass
Show the answer
✓ B. No, you may not pass within 100 feet of a bridge
Passing is dangerous and illegal within 100 feet of an intersection, railroad crossing, bridge, viaduct, or tunnel.
Source: Indiana Driver's Manual (Published July 2026), page 43
4.Signs warn of a lane closure ahead in a work zone, with no special merge instructions. When should you merge?
- AAt the last possible moment
- BEarly, when you first see the signs
- CNever; drive on the shoulder
- DOnly when a flagger tells you
Show the answer
✓ B. Early, when you first see the signs
Merge early: if drivers merge at first sight of the signs, traffic generally flows more smoothly. Late or zipper merging is used only where signs say so.
Source: Indiana Driver's Manual (Published July 2026), page 52