Texas Drivers Ed Written Practice Test

What should you check before changing lanes?

1. Only your rearview mirror

2. Your mirrors and blind spots

3. Your speedometer

4. The weather conditions

The correct answer is: Your mirrors and blind spots

Before changing lanes, it is essential to check your mirrors and blind spots to ensure that it is safe to do so. Utilizing your mirrors allows you to see vehicles that may be beside you or approaching rapidly from behind. However, mirrors have limitations; they cannot provide a complete view of the areas to the sides and behind your vehicle. Blind spots are those areas that mirrors often miss, so it’s crucial to physically check over your shoulder to confirm that no other vehicles or objects are in those areas before making a lane change. This practice helps to prevent collisions and enhances overall road safety, as it ensures you have a comprehensive understanding of your surroundings. Other factors, such as checking the speedometer or judging weather conditions, are important in driving, but they don’t specifically address the immediate safety concerns associated with changing lanes.