Turns, Merging, and Passing: Avoid the Most Common DMV Test Mistakes

The written knowledge test loves to ask about turns, merging, and passing. Why? Because these are the moments where small mistakes cause big problems on the road. The good news: the rules are clear, and the test questions are straightforward once you know what to look for. In this guide, I'll walk you through the key rules, show you how the test phrases them, and point out the traps that catch people off guard.

Turning Positions

Before you turn, you need to be in the correct lane. The core rule is simple: signal at least 100 feet before you turn, and turn from the lane closest to your direction of travel.

Right turn: Begin from the lane closest to the right curb or edge of the road. End in the lane closest to the right curb.
Left turn from a two-way street onto a two-way street: Begin from the lane closest to the center line. End in the lane just to the right of the center line.
Left turn from a two-way street onto a one-way street: Begin from the lane closest to the center line. You may end in any lane that is open.
Left turn from a one-way street onto a one-way street: Begin from the far-left lane. You may end in any lane that is open.

Common mistake: Turning from the wrong lane or swinging wide into another lane. The test might ask: "When turning left from a two-way street onto a one-way street, you should start from which lane?" The answer is the lane closest to the center line.

Worked scenario: You're on a two-way street with two lanes in each direction. You want to turn left onto a one-way street with three lanes. You should start from the leftmost lane (closest to the center line) and can finish in any open lane. Signal at least 100 feet ahead, check your mirrors and blind spots, and turn when safe.

Turns on Red

A red light doesn't always mean a complete stop with no turning. In California, you can turn right on a red light after stopping, unless a sign says otherwise. You can also turn left on a red light if you are turning from a one-way street onto another one-way street.

Right turn on red: Come to a complete stop. Yield to pedestrians and cross traffic. Turn when safe.
Left turn on red: Only from a one-way street onto a one-way street. Come to a complete stop. Yield to all traffic and pedestrians. Turn when safe.

Common mistake: Rolling through the stop or forgetting to yield. The test might ask: "You are turning left from a one-way street onto a one-way street. The light is red. What should you do?" The answer: Stop, yield, and turn when safe if there's no sign prohibiting it.

Worked scenario: You're on a one-way street approaching a red light. You want to turn left onto another one-way street. After stopping completely and checking for pedestrians and traffic, you can make the turn. If there's a "No Turn on Red" sign, you must wait for a green light.

U-Turns

U-turns are legal in many places, but there are restrictions. You cannot make a U-turn:

Where a sign prohibits it.
At an intersection with a traffic light, unless there's a sign allowing it.
In front of a fire station driveway.
On a divided highway by crossing a median or curb.
Where you cannot see clearly for 200 feet in each direction.

Common mistake: Thinking U-turns are always illegal or always legal. The test might ask: "When can you make a U-turn?" The answer: When it's safe, not prohibited, and you have clear visibility.

Worked scenario: You're on a wide residential street with no traffic. You want to turn around. Check for signs, make sure you can see 200 feet in both directions, signal, and turn when safe. But if you're at a traffic light intersection, you can't make a U-turn unless a sign says you can.

Freeway Entry and Exit

Merging onto a freeway and exiting are high-speed maneuvers that require planning.

Entering:

Use the on-ramp to match the speed of traffic.
Signal and check your mirrors and blind spots.
Merge into a gap large enough for your vehicle.
Do not stop unless absolutely necessary.

Exiting:

Signal well in advance.
Move into the exit lane at the proper speed.
Do not slow down on the freeway; slow down on the exit ramp.

Common mistake: Merging too slowly or stopping at the end of the on-ramp. The test might ask: "When entering a freeway, you should:" The answer: Be at or near the speed of traffic and merge when safe.

Worked scenario: You're on an on-ramp. Accelerate to match freeway speed, signal, check your blind spot, and merge into a gap. If traffic is heavy, adjust your speed to find a safe gap, but avoid stopping.

Passing Restrictions

Passing is allowed only when it's safe and legal. You cannot pass:

On a curve or hill where you cannot see oncoming traffic.
At an intersection or railroad crossing.
When a sign prohibits passing.
When the vehicle ahead is signaling a left turn (never pass on the left in that case).
When you would have to drive off the paved road to pass.

Common mistake: Passing in no-passing zones or when it's unsafe. The test might ask: "You are behind a vehicle that is signaling a left turn. You may pass on the left if:" The answer: Never—you should not pass on the left when the driver is signaling a left turn.

Worked scenario: You're on a two-lane road and the car ahead is signaling a left turn. You must wait until they turn. Do not pass on the left. If you want to pass, you must do so on the right only if there's a lane and it's safe.

Quick Self-Check

Test your understanding with these three questions.

1. You want to turn left from a two-way street onto a one-way street. Which lane should you start from? A. The lane closest to the right curb B. The lane closest to the center line C. Any lane

2. You are turning left from a one-way street onto a one-way street. The light is red. What should you do? A. Wait for a green light B. Stop and turn when safe if there's no sign prohibiting it C. Turn without stopping

3. When entering a freeway, you should: A. Stop at the end of the on-ramp and wait for a gap B. Merge at a slow speed C. Be at or near the speed of traffic and merge when safe

Answers: 1-B, 2-B, 3-C

Key Takeaways

Signal at least 100 feet before turning, and turn from the lane closest to your direction.
Right on red is allowed after a stop; left on red only from one-way to one-way.
U-turns are restricted at traffic lights, fire stations, and where visibility is limited.
Merge onto freeways at traffic speed; exit without slowing on the freeway.
Never pass on curves, hills, or when the vehicle ahead is signaling a left turn.

Ready to test your skills? Practise with Mia at lastdmv.com and walk into your DMV test with confidence.

Frequently asked questions

Can I turn left on a red light in California?

Yes, but only if you are turning from a one-way street onto another one-way street. You must come to a complete stop and yield to all traffic and pedestrians.

When can I make a U-turn?

You can make a U-turn when it is safe, not prohibited by signs, and you have clear visibility for at least 200 feet in each direction. U-turns are not allowed at traffic light intersections unless a sign permits it.

What is the most common mistake on merging questions?

Many people think they should stop at the end of the on-ramp. Instead, you should match the speed of traffic and merge when safe. Stopping can be dangerous.

Turns, Merging, and Passing: Avoid the Most Common DMV Test Mistakes