Rules of the road
Lesson 6 · Passing and highways

What do you do if you miss your highway exit?

Short answer

Keep going to the next exit. Never stop, back up or cut across the painted area to reach a missed exit.

Watch it play out

How to do it

  1. Watch for exit signs early and move to the exit lane in time.
  2. Signal and slow down on the ramp, not on the highway.
  3. If you miss it, stay in your lane and keep going.
  4. Take the next exit and find your way back.

Why the rule works this way

Highway traffic moves fast and does not expect stopped or reversing cars. Crossing the painted gore area also cuts in front of drivers using the ramp correctly.

Common mistakes

  • Braking hard on the highway when you notice the exit late.
  • Swerving across several lanes at the last second.

Questions people ask

When should I move to the exit lane?

As soon as the exit signs tell you, usually a mile or more ahead.