When merging onto the freeway, you should be driving:

1. At or near the speed of the freeway traffic. ✓
2. At the legal speed limit.
3. More slowly than the freeway traffic.

Answer: A. At or near the speed of the freeway traffic.

When merging onto the freeway, you should be driving at or near the speed of the freeway traffic.

Why this is the answer

The handbook's merging steps say highway traffic has the right-of-way, and that when you enter a highway you need to be at or near the speed of traffic and merge when it is safe. Matching the flow lets you slide into a gap rather than forcing other drivers to slow for you. The same list also tells you to pick a space big enough to join safely, signal, check mirrors and your blind spot, and avoid stopping unless it is absolutely necessary.

Why the other answers are wrong

• B. At the legal speed limit. — The legal speed limit is a general cap for the road, not the instruction for entering a highway, which is to be at or near the speed of traffic already there.
• C. More slowly than the freeway traffic. — Driving slower than the freeway traffic is the opposite of what the handbook asks for when you enter a highway.

Remember it

Think of merging as joining a moving line of cars: match their pace, then slip into a gap big enough for you.