You enter a designated turn lane to make a left turn at an upcoming intersection. There is oncoming traffic. You should:
- Move to the left of the center lane.
- Signal before you arrive at the intersection. ✓
- Turn your front wheels to the left to be prepared to turn.
Answer: B. Signal before you arrive at the intersection.
You should signal before you arrive at the intersection, starting your signal about 100 feet before the turn.
Why this is the answer
The handbook lists the steps for a left turn in order: get into the left turn lane at the opening without crossing a solid line, then start signaling 100 feet before the turn, look over your left shoulder, slow down, and stop behind the limit line or before the crosswalk. Signaling early is part of setting up the turn before you reach the intersection, so traffic behind and oncoming drivers know what you intend. Waiting in the lane with oncoming traffic does not replace signaling on the approach.
Why the other answers are wrong
- A. Move to the left of the center lane. — The handbook says to drive close to the center divider or into the left turn lane and enter it at the opening without crossing a solid line, not to shift left of the center lane.
- C. Turn your front wheels to the left to be prepared to turn. — The handbook says to keep your wheels pointed straight ahead until it is safe to start the turn, because wheels turned left can let a rear-end hit push you into oncoming traffic.
Remember it
Signal early, wheels straight: tell everyone what you plan to do, but keep the car pointed forward until the turn is actually safe.