Practice Highway Driving
Complete step-by-step checklist to practice highway driving covering merge safely onto highway and drive in correct lane, and essential action items.
Merge safely onto highway
Accelerate on ramp to match moving traffic flow speed
Drive in correct lane
Stay in right or middle lanes; use left lane for pass only
Increase gap at high speed
Increase following distance to 4-5 seconds on wet roads
Signal lane changes early
Turn on indicator early to inform fast-moving traffic
Plan driver rest breaks
Stop at rest areas every 2 hours to avoid driver fatigue
Avoid driving in truck blind spots
Pass trucks quickly; do not hover next to cargo beds
Anticipate highway exit ramps
Move to the exit lane 1 mile before your ramp turn
Observe variable speed boards
Slow down for digital weather warning speed signs
Keep headlights on constantly
Turn on lights to make vehicle visible at highway speeds
Practice exit ramp braking
Slow down on deceleration ramp, not on active highway
Avoid cruise control in rain
Control throttle manually on wet roads to prevent hydroplaning
Keep safe distance behind cargo trucks
Stay back to avoid loose pebbles hitting windshield