You are merging onto an interstate highway. You should:

1. Select a safe gap and merge into the lane of traffic. ✓
2. Merge across two lanes at once.
3. Always stop before entering the highway.

Answer: A. Select a safe gap and merge into the lane of traffic.

You should select a safe gap and merge into the lane of traffic.

Why this is the answer

The handbook says highway traffic has the right-of-way, so entering drivers must fit in rather than force their way in. It tells you to be at or near the speed of traffic, merge only when it is safe, and pick a space large enough for your vehicle to join the lane. It also says not to stop unless absolutely necessary, which rules out a default stop at the end of the on-ramp.

Why the other answers are wrong

• B. Merge across two lanes at once. — The handbook says that if you need to cross several lanes, you signal and cross them one at a time, so swinging across two lanes at once is not the approach it describes.
• C. Always stop before entering the highway. — The handbook tells you not to stop unless absolutely necessary, because you need to be at or near the speed of traffic to merge safely.

Remember it

Think of merging as joining a moving line: match the pace, pick a gap big enough for your car, and slide in one lane at a time.