When changing lanes:
- Check your side mirror and look over your shoulder to make sure the lane is clear. ✓
- Check the inside rearview mirror.
- Slow down.
Answer: A. Check your side mirror and look over your shoulder to make sure the lane is clear.
Check your side mirror and look over your shoulder to make sure the lane is clear before you change lanes.
Why this is the answer
The California handbook lists the steps for a lane change: signal, check your mirrors, check traffic behind and beside you, and look over your shoulder in the direction you plan to move so the lane is clear. It also says to check blind spots for vehicles, motorcyclists, and bicyclists. Your side mirror helps, but the shoulder look covers what mirrors can miss. The handbook adds that slowing down before a lane change is not necessary, so the mirror-plus-shoulder check is the supported answer.
Why the other answers are wrong
- B. Check the inside rearview mirror. — Checking only the inside rearview mirror does not cover the blind spots beside your car, so it cannot make sure the lane is clear.
- C. Slow down. — Slowing down is not required for a lane change; the handbook says it is not necessary to slow down before changing lanes.
Remember it
Mirrors first, then turn your head; your eyes finish the check your mirror started.