Lesson 5 · Lanes and turns
How do you use a center left-turn lane?
Short answer
Move into it just before your left turn, stop if you need to wait for oncoming traffic, then turn. Do not drive in it for long or use it to pass.
Watch it play out
How to do it
- Signal left and check your mirror and blind spot.
- Move into the center lane close to where you will turn.
- Stop in the center lane if you need to wait for oncoming traffic.
- Turn when there is a safe gap.
Why the rule works this way
Cars from both directions use the same lane. The longer you drive in it, the more likely you meet someone head-on.
Common mistakes
- Entering the lane blocks before your turn.
- Using it as a passing lane or to merge into traffic far down the road.
State differencesSome states set a limit on how far you can drive in the center lane, such as 200 feet in California.
Questions people ask
Can I use it to turn left out of a driveway?
Many states allow it as a waiting spot before merging. Check your state rules.