I want to get my liscense, but get so nervous when changing lanes.....?

Question

I would say that i am a good driver, but changing lanes is a big part of it, but when ever there are A lot of cars and there is so much traffic, or if your going fast on the freeway or whatever, and there are plenty cars, i get so scared when changing lanes. What do you do to "calm down"? or What is a successful way in changing lanes when its crowded?...example: do you put your signal on, check if its clear and if its crowded, just slowly inch your way in between the cars if there is space, and they will let you through???.........HELP.

Answer 1

i've always been taught mirror/signal/manoeuvre.  check your interior and wing mirror, then indicate.  depending on how fast you're going, and how much traffic there is, increase the gap between you and the car in front of you at the moment.  gauge the speed of the cars coming alongside you, and try to match them as best you can (obviously without hitting the car in front!), check your blind spot before you move out.

i find a good tip is that before you move out, and you have a car behind you, but in the lane beside you, aim to be able to see both their headlights in your rear view mirror - as a rule of thumb, that will mean that they have enough distance behind you so that when you pull into the gap, they won't crash into the back of you.  it takes a bit of practise, but it works!

it also really pays to 'car count' - ie have an idea of how many cars surround you, what colour/make they are - because you're moving and they're moving, at one time or another, they'll be in your blind spot.  if you can see a red car in your mirror, and then 5 seconds later you can't see them, and you haven't seen them come past, it's quite possible they've moved into your blind spot.  this is never done intentionally, it just happens!

Answer 2

Look in your rear view and side view mirrors for other motorists and traffic.

Check your blind spots. The blind spot on most cars is around the middle of the car, near the left and right rear doors. This is an crucial step that is often forgotten. It is also something that any driving instructor will be incredibly vigilant about. Forget to check your blind spots and you will probably not pass any driving test.

Press your turning indicator down to turn on the left blinkers, or right to turn on right blinkers. Most modern cars will indicate to you which direction your blinkers are set with a small blinking light on the console.

Scan the mirrors and blind spots again to double check to make sure you are clear to switch lanes.

Turn into the desired lane with caution and purpose.

Answer 3

Oh, you betcha, I get sweaty palms when it comes to changing lanes - especially to the right...The first rule I have is to get in the lane I need to be in as soon as I can...In other words, if I know I am going to turn right up ahead, I'm in the right lane a couple of blocks beforehand, even if it means poking along behind slower traffic...If I'm going to an unfamiliar destination - one I may have never been to before, I research the location in a map book or on the computer...On the street, I look at address numbers and know what side of the street my destination is (odd numbers are usually on the west and north; even on the east and south).

On the highway, again, I make it a point to know in advance what my route is going to be before I start...I check the computer (Google, MSN) to see where the on, off and transition ramps are and what they look like...I look to see what the offramps are before mine so that I can be in position to make my exit...Again, I make sure that I am in the proper lane at least a mile before my offramp.

But the most important aspect of changing lanes is communicatiing...I give plenty of advance notice of what my intentions are by using my turn indicator and, in heavy traffic, a hand signal...When I let folks know what I want to do, they will usually accommodate me...When I finish my lane change, I give a 'thank you' wave...And I make sure the turn indicator is turned off after I have completed the change.

And If for some reason, I miss my exit, I have an idea of what I have to do to get to my destination - the next offramp, back on the highway or surface streets...This is where the pre-trip navigation study makes the trip a lot less stressful.

With my vehicle, I make sure that my mirrors complement each other...The rear view goes straight back and the side views slightly overlap what I can see in the rear view...This helps minimize blind spots, but still make quick check turns with the ol' noggin.

You can do this...Just take your time...And Aloha!!

All the best.

Answer 4

the easyest way in England is just to signal, check your side mirror n quickly edge out... In England people love there cars, usally Men and really dont like you taking the spot infront of them so its harder than the USA... i assume your driving a "Yank Tank" (a large car)... however in america most people are much more laid back and happy to let you out.. simply take a big deep breath if your nervous signal and gentally but quickly change lane, taking too long may anger the person behind you if he/ she is trying to make progress...

aslong as theres enough room for your car and your speeds are matching theres nothing to worry about..

youl do it a few times and become a natural, its nothing to worry about :) good luck on your test!

Answer 5

hey, ye i just did my test for my liscense, the best way is to first check your side mirror and then your center mirror, then put your blinker on for the direction you are changing lanes, then check both mirrors again and then turn your head to the right of left to check your blindspot, if no one is letting you in on the side you want to lane change you can either slow down to get behind them if no one is behind you, or just leave it on and wait for someone to let you in, sometimes you just have to wait a bit longer until their is a free space to lane change. Hope you get ur lisence!~