When exiting the interstate, drivers should begin to decelerate:

1. As they turn on their blinker to enter the deceleration lane.
2. When they realize they are nearing their exit.
3. After turning into the deceleration lane. ✓
4. When nearing the end of the deceleration lane.

Answer: C. After turning into the deceleration lane.

Drivers should begin to decelerate after turning into the deceleration lane.

Why this is the answer

The Florida handbook lays out the exit sequence: get into the exit lane, turn on your signal, and then slow down in the deceleration lane. That places the start of braking after you have moved into the deceleration lane, and it also tells you to check the posted safe speed for the ramp. Slowing earlier, while you are still signaling or just approaching, does not match that order.

Why the other answers are wrong

• A. As they turn on their blinker to enter the deceleration lane. — Slowing as you signal to enter the deceleration lane starts braking before you are in that lane, while the handbook says to slow down in the deceleration lane.
• B. When they realize they are nearing their exit. — Realizing you are nearing your exit is not the handbook's cue; it says to get into the exit lane, signal, and then slow down in the deceleration lane.
• D. When nearing the end of the deceleration lane. — Waiting until near the end of the deceleration lane delays braking too long, since the handbook says to slow down in that lane and check the ramp's posted safe speed.

Remember it

Let the lane do its job: move into the deceleration lane, then slow.