After you have passed a car you should return to the right lane when you:
- See the front bumper of the other car in your mirror ✓
- Have put your turn signal on
- Have turned your headlights on
- See the other car's headlights come on
Answer: A. See the front bumper of the other car in your mirror
You should return to the right lane after passing when you can see the front bumper of the car you passed in your interior rear-view mirror.
Why this is the answer
The New York manual says that after you pass and move into the left lane, you must signal before returning to the right lane. It also says to check your interior rear-view mirror and make sure the front bumper of the vehicle you passed is visible. Then you look quickly over your right shoulder to confirm there is several feet of pavement between your car and the one you passed. Seeing that bumper shows you have enough clearance, so you do not pull back while still too close.
Why the other answers are wrong
- B. Have put your turn signal on — Putting on your turn signal only announces your plan; the manual says you must also see the front bumper of the vehicle you passed before returning.
- C. Have turned your headlights on — Turning on your headlights does not show that you have enough clearance; clearance is judged by seeing the passed car's front bumper in your interior mirror.
- D. See the other car's headlights come on — Seeing the other car's headlights come on says nothing about clearance; the handbook uses your view of its front bumper in the mirror as the sign.
Remember it
See the bumper in the mirror, then take the lane.