In short
Merge at freeway speed, signal early, mirror + shoulder check before every lane change, keep 3 seconds of following distance, signal one mile before your exit. Highway driving is on the road test in most states.
Updated 2026-06-06 · 6 min read · By Driving Routes Editorial
Merging onto the freeway
Use the merge lane to match traffic speed — typically 55–70mph depending on your state. Signal left, mirror + shoulder check, merge smoothly. Don't stop on the merge lane unless absolutely necessary.
Lane changes on the freeway
Mirror, signal, shoulder check, then move. Maintain freeway speed during the change. Do not change two lanes at once.
Exiting
Signal at the 'next exit' sign (typically 1 mile before). Move to the right lane in plenty of time. Decelerate in the exit lane, not on the freeway.
Frequently asked questions
Do all US road tests include freeway driving?
No. Many DMV centers don't have a nearby freeway. Where they do (California, Texas, Florida urban centers), expect 5–10 minutes of freeway in the route.