Illinois Driving Permit Practice Test 2025 - Free Driving Permit Practice Questions and Study Guide

Changing lanes safely is a critical skill for all drivers, and the correct method involves a comprehensive process to ensure that you can do so without incident. The most effective approach includes checking your mirrors, signaling your intention, and checking your blind spots.

Initially, checking your mirrors allows you to assess the traffic situation around your vehicle, providing you with information about the vehicles that are behind and alongside you. Signaling your intention to change lanes alerts other drivers of your planned maneuver, which is an important part of communication on the road to prevent misunderstandings and potential accidents.

After signaling, it's essential to check your blind spots, which are areas your mirrors may not cover. This step is crucial because other vehicles may be hidden from view in these regions, particularly those that are traveling close to your vehicle. By ensuring that these areas are clear, you significantly reduce the risk of collision when you make your lane change.

The other methods presented either lack essential steps or do not include the comprehensive safety checks necessary for a safe lane change. For instance, simply checking mirrors and accelerating or stopping to look does not address signaling or considering the space and safety around your vehicle effectively. Therefore, the complete procedure encapsulated in the correct answer is essential for maintaining safety while changing lanes on