Turns, lanes, passing and parking
Coming from a two-way street, you turn left onto a one-way street that has three lanes going your way. In which lane may you finish the turn?
- In any lane that is open. Correct answer
- Only in the far-left lane.
- Only in the far-right lane.
Why
Begin this turn from the far-left lane, the one nearest the middle of the two-way street. Where you may end it depends on how many lanes the one-way street has in your direction: with three or more, the handbook lets you finish in any open lane. Ending only in the far-left lane is the rule for a left turn that ends on a two-way street, where you finish in the left lane closest to the middle to reduce the risk of collision. The far-right lane is where a right turn begins and ends. Signs or arrows can also show that a turn may start or end in more than one lane, and in any turn, watch for pedestrians, motorcycles and bicycles between you and the curb.
Where this comes from
California Driver's Handbook, June 2025 edition. The correct answer is In any lane that is open.
The rule behind this one
Turns, lanes, passing and parking in California goes through the whole topic, with the page of the California Driver's Handbook behind every rule.
More on turns, lanes, passing and parking
- You are coming up on the street where you meant to turn, but you are in the wrong lane and the lane beside you is full. What should you do?
- Signs mark the right-hand lane of a street for public transit buses only. Which of these may you do in your car?
- You are stopped, waiting for oncoming traffic to clear so you can turn left. Which way should your front wheels point?
- You are joining traffic on the highway. How much space does the handbook say you need in order to merge?