Entering into traffic — Montana Permit Test

When you merge with traffic, try to enter at the same speed that traffic is moving, and use the ramp to reach that speed.

A car crawling onto the highway forces fast traffic to brake hard or swerve around it.

When you merge with traffic, try to enter at the same speed that traffic is moving.

To merge, signal your intent, use your rearview mirror, and look over your shoulder.

The mirror misses the car beside your rear door, and only a glance over the shoulder finds it.

Signal your intent to merge, use your rearview mirror, AND look over your shoulder.

Do not drive to the end of the ramp and stop: it leaves no room to get up to speed, and drivers behind you will not expect you to stop.

The driver behind is watching the highway for a gap, not your brake lights, and runs into you.

Do not drive to the end of the ramp and stop.

If you must wait for space to enter a roadway, slow down on the ramp so you have some room to speed up before you merge.

A driver who waits until the ramp runs out has no runway left to match the traffic.

If you must wait for space to enter a roadway, slow down on the ramp so you have some room to speed up before you have to merge.

On a controlled-access highway, when you see another driver entering, move to your left whenever possible so they can enter safely.

A merging car with nowhere to go runs out of ramp beside you.

When traveling on a controlled-access highway and you observe another driver entering, you should, whenever possible, move to your left so that they may enter safely.

When you merge with traffic, at what speed should you try to enter?

The speed traffic is moving. A car crawling onto the highway forces fast traffic to brake hard or swerve around it. Montana Driver Manual, p.61: “When you merge with traffic, try to enter at the same speed that traffic is moving.”