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Signal 5 seconds before a freeway lane change

A free practice question for the California permit test, with the answer explained.

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Practice question · Signals and lights

How long should you signal before changing lanes on a freeway?

The rule

On a freeway, keep your signal on for at least five seconds before a lane change. When you exit, signal about five seconds before the exit.

On a freeway, signal for at least 5 seconds before you change lanes. At high speed, other drivers need that time to notice.

From the California Driver Handbook, section 5, page 11. This question is our own wording of that rule. The handbook and the DMV have the final word.

Often mixed up with

People confuse these rules with this one. Each has its own practice question.

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