Before you change lanes, you should check your mirrors and:
- Never look over your right shoulder.
- Always slow down in your traffic lane.
- Glance over your shoulder. ✓
Answer: C. Glance over your shoulder.
Before you change lanes, check your mirrors and glance over your shoulder in the direction you intend to move.
Why this is the answer
The California handbook lists the lane-change steps in order: signal, check the mirrors, check traffic behind and beside you, then look over your shoulder toward the lane you plan to enter. It explains that this shoulder check is how you clear blind spots, which are areas the mirrors do not show. The handbook also says slowing down before a lane change is not necessary; what matters is making sure the next lane is clear and has enough room for your vehicle.
Why the other answers are wrong
- A. Never look over your right shoulder. — You should not skip the right shoulder check, because the handbook says to look over both your right and left shoulders to check blind spots.
- B. Always slow down in your traffic lane. — Slowing down first is not required, because the handbook says it is not necessary to slow down before a lane change.
Remember it
Mirrors first, then a quick shoulder look toward the lane you want.
Official handbook: California Driver Handbook (DL 600), Section 6: Navigating the Roads, p. 15