Video lessons · Unit 9: Freeway driving

The Blind Spot

Why mirrors aren't enough Grandpa explains it in one minute.

What you'll learn

• Mirrors don't see everything. Right here, beside you is the blind spot.
• To change lanes: mirror signal and look over your shoulder.
• One quick glance and eyes back on the road.

Test yourself: 5 exam-style questions

1. 1. Before changing lanes to pass, you should…

   1. Only check your rearview and side mirrors
   2. Signal, check mirrors, look over your shoulder
   3. Honk and switch quickly
   4. Speed up first, then signal as you move over
   Show answer

   Answer: Signal, check mirrors, look over your shoulder

   Signal, mirrors, and a quick shoulder check. Blind spots don't forgive.

2. 2. Driving alongside another car for a long time is risky because…

   1. Your lights make them nervous
   2. It's a ticket everywhere
   3. You may be in its blind spot
   4. You burn more gas
   Show answer

   Answer: You may be in its blind spot

   Hang beside them and they may not see you. Move ahead or drop back.

3. 3. The HOV lane is separated by a double solid line. Where may you enter or leave it?

   1. Wherever you want, with 2 or more people
   2. Anywhere, as long as you signal
   3. Only where the line is broken
   4. Anywhere, if the HOV lane is empty
   Show answer

   Answer: Only where the line is broken

   That double line works like a wall, kiddo. Wait for the marked opening. Rules vary by state.

4. 4. In the work zone, a piece of heavy equipment is working next to your lane. You…

   1. Give it room: it may swing into your lane
   2. Pass right next to it to keep the other lane clear
   3. Speed up to get by before it starts moving
   4. Honk so the operator knows you're coming through
   Show answer

   Answer: Give it room: it may swing into your lane

   The operator is watching the job, not you. Give it room and stay out of its blind spot.

5. 5. You want to move into the right lane. You look and there's a car in your blind spot. What do you do?

   1. Speed up and cut in front of it
   2. Move over: it has to brake
   3. Stay in your lane until it passes
   4. Move over little by little to warn it
   Show answer

   Answer: Stay in your lane until it passes

   Before changing lanes, look over your shoulder. If a car is in your blind spot, stay in your lane until the space is clear.