Space to merge — Kansas Permit Test

When merging with other Kansas traffic flow a driver selects a gap of 4 to 6 seconds, moving into the middle of it so both vehicles can adjust to a 3-second following interval.

A four-second gap splits into two comfortable ones. Anything smaller leaves someone too close.

When merging with other traffic flow, select a gap in the traffic flow of 4 to 6 seconds.

A Kansas driver should not merge into a gap smaller than 4 to 6 seconds, because a small gap can quickly become even smaller.

Gaps shrink as you approach them. One that was barely enough is not enough by the time you arrive.

A small gap can quickly become even smaller.

If crossing several Kansas lanes is necessary a driver changes lanes one at a time, because it is very difficult to determine that all lanes are free and doing otherwise can cause multiple crashes.

Crossing three lanes at once means judging three sets of traffic. Doing them one at a time is three easy problems.

If crossing several lanes is necessary, change lanes one at a time as it is very difficult to determine that all the lanes are free and safe to cross and can create traffic congestion and cause multiple crashes.

What gap does Kansas say to select when merging?

A gap of 4 to 6 seconds. A four-second gap splits into two comfortable ones. Anything smaller leaves someone too close. Kansas Driving Handbook, p.64: “When merging with other traffic flow, select a gap in the traffic flow of 4 to 6 seconds.”