Traffic is slow ahead of you. A two-way center left-turn lane is empty. May you use it to pass the queue?
Correct answer: No; it is for left-turn movements, not passing traffic.
A shared left-turn lane is not a through or passing lane. An empty lane does not change its designated purpose.
Source: Iowa Driver's Manual, MM1170 07/23/2026; printed page 16, physical PDF page 16; Proper lane use. Readable text only; no diagram interpretation used. ↗
A driver ahead waits to turn left. With no officer or traffic-control instruction directing you onto the shoulder, what should you do?
Correct answer: Wait rather than using the shoulder to pass.
Ordinary drivers must not use the shoulder as a passing lane. The manual distinguishes directions from authorized traffic control from choosing to pass there yourself.
Source: Iowa Driver's Manual, MM1170 07/23/2026; printed page 16, physical PDF page 16; Proper lane use. Readable text only; no diagram interpretation used. ↗
You are making a turn with no signs or markings directing a different path. What lane path should you normally use?
Correct answer: Turn from the nearest appropriate lane into the nearest appropriate lane.
Use the proper lane nearest the turn and enter the nearest lawful lane unless traffic controls direct otherwise. Make any later lane change separately and safely.
Source: Iowa Driver's Manual, MM1170 07/23/2026; printed page 16, physical PDF page 16; Proper lane use. Readable text only; no diagram interpretation used. ↗
You recognize your turn too late to slow and position safely. What is the best response?
Correct answer: Continue and find a safe lawful way to return.
Plan and position for turns in advance. A missed turn is safer to correct later than with a sudden sharp maneuver.
Source: Iowa Driver's Manual, MM1170 07/23/2026; printed page 43, physical PDF page 43; Proper turning techniques. Readable text only; no diagram interpretation used. ↗
You plan to change lanes on a road that appears empty. What should you do?
Correct answer: Signal and check carefully before moving.
Signal every change of direction, including lane changes, turns, merging and parking. Road users you have not noticed may depend on the warning.
Source: Iowa Driver's Manual, MM1170 07/23/2026; printed page 43, physical PDF page 43; Turn signals. Readable text only; no diagram interpretation used. ↗
You need to move across two lanes. How should you carry out the move?
Correct answer: Check, signal and complete one lane change before assessing the next.
Make lane changes individually, checking the space and yielding to traffic in each lane. A gap in the first lane does not prove the next lane is clear.
Source: Iowa Driver's Manual, MM1170 07/23/2026; printed page 44, physical PDF page 44; Changing lanes. Readable text only; no diagram interpretation used. ↗
You and a car two lanes away both appear to be moving toward the lane between you. What should you do?
Correct answer: Delay your move until that lane is safely available.
Check the target lane and nearby lanes for vehicles moving into the same space. Signaling does not reserve a lane.
Source: Iowa Driver's Manual, MM1170 07/23/2026; printed page 44, physical PDF page 44; Changing lanes. Readable text only; no diagram interpretation used. ↗
You have lawfully passed a car on a two-lane road. What helps you judge when there is enough room to return?
Correct answer: See the front of the passed car in your rearview mirror, then return safely.
Leave room rather than cutting off the passed vehicle. Seeing its front in the rearview mirror helps establish clearance before returning safely.
Source: Iowa Driver's Manual, MM1170 07/23/2026; printed page 45, physical PDF page 45; Passing. Readable text only; no diagram interpretation used. ↗
The centerline permits passing, but a hill blocks your view ahead. What should you do?
Correct answer: Wait until there is enough visible clear road for the whole maneuver.
Permission from markings does not establish that a pass is safe. You need enough visible clear space to complete it without conflict.
Source: Iowa Driver's Manual, MM1170 07/23/2026; printed page 45, physical PDF page 45; Passing. Readable text only; no diagram interpretation used. ↗
The only open curb space would block part of a driveway. What should you do?
Correct answer: Find a place that does not obstruct the driveway.
Do not park across a driveway. A short stay, running engine or warning lights do not remove the obstruction.
Source: Iowa Driver's Manual, MM1170 07/23/2026; printed page 21, physical PDF page 21; Parking. Readable text only; no diagram interpretation used. ↗
A curbside space is occupied. May you leave your car alongside that parked vehicle while you visit a shop?
Correct answer: No; find a lawful parking space instead of double parking.
Parking beside another parked vehicle obstructs the roadway. The manual lists double parking among prohibited locations.
Source: Iowa Driver's Manual, MM1170 07/23/2026; printed page 21, physical PDF page 21; Parking. Readable text only; no diagram interpretation used. ↗
Before reversing from a driveway, your camera shows no vehicle directly behind. What else should you do?
Correct answer: Check around and behind the car, turn to look, and keep checking while backing slowly.
Mirrors and cameras do not show everything and can distort distance. Look directly, check blind spots and keep the backing speed low.
Source: Iowa Driver's Manual, MM1170 07/23/2026; printed page 43, physical PDF page 43; Backing. Readable text only; no diagram interpretation used. ↗
An entrance ramp provides room to accelerate before merging. What should you normally do?
Correct answer: Use it to approach traffic speed and merge into a safe gap.
The acceleration lane helps you join smoothly. Look for a safe gap and avoid stopping unless conditions make it necessary.
Source: Iowa Driver's Manual, MM1170 07/23/2026; printed page 51, physical PDF page 51; Merging onto interstate highways. Readable text only; no diagram interpretation used. ↗
