Turns, lanes, passing and parking
You are on a one-way road and will turn left onto another one-way road that has two lanes. How should you make the turn?
- Move into the left lane before turning, and turn into the left lane of the new road. Correct answer
- Turn from the right lane into the right lane of the new road.
- Turn from the left lane into whichever lane of the new road is clear.
Why
When both roads are one-way, the manual sets the positions from start to finish. You move into the left lane as you prepare to turn, and when the new road has two lanes, you must finish in the left one. Starting from the right lane skips the first half of the rule. Choosing any clear lane at the end breaks the second half of the rule: the turn is supposed to end in the left lane, the one nearest to where you started. The pattern matches the right turn, which begins on the right and ends in the right lane, so each turn starts and finishes on its own side of the road.
Where this comes from
New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), April 2026 version. The correct answer is Move into the left lane before turning, and turn into the left lane of the new road.
More on turns, lanes, passing and parking
- You have pulled into an intersection and are waiting for oncoming traffic to clear so you can turn left. How should your front wheels be pointed while you wait?
- You want to make a U-turn near the top of a hill. Other drivers can see your car only from about 300 feet away. May you make the U-turn there?
- You are on a limited access expressway, and a paved path in the median connects your side with the other side. May you use it to make a U-turn?
- Where a U-turn is allowed on a multi-lane road, from which position must you start it?