[Justme230]

I'm taking my road test soon. Was wondering when you turn left, do you have to wait for the instructor to tell you to pass on the right lane, or can you do so without being told? We should drive on the right lane anyway, so I don't see the reason why I should wait to be told to pass. Can they fail me if I do so, though? Thanks!

[Justme230]

Just to clarify: I'm talking about turning left on the left lane of a two-lane road. Should I keep driving on the left lane until he tells me to pass on the right, or should I pass without being told?

[dazzleman]

I never took the road test in Connecticut. I took it in New York, and when I moved here, the test was waived when I switched my license.

But from a common sense perspective, I think that when you turn left onto a road that is two lanes in the same direction, you should first go into the left lane. Whether you remain there depends on traffic conditions, as well as whether you will be going straight, or soon be turning left or right.

I would expect the state inspector to give you some guidance in that regard. He/she may tell you that you will be turning left or right ahead, and I would take that as your instruction to get into the proper lane.

[Justme230]

My driver's ed instructor told me to always drive on the right lane, and that the left lane is for passing and turning left only, and if they fail me for this, I should complain.

On the other hand, I've heard from people who changed lanes without being instructed on the test, and fail.

[dazzleman]

Well, you generally should drive in the right lane on the highway unless you're passing, but it's not so clear on a 2-lane local street.

If you're turning left onto the street, you should initially go into the left lane. Maybe you could just ask the inspector if you should get into the right lane.

When's the test? Where are you taking it?

[Stratford, Ct. Resident]

Originally Posted by Justme230

Just to clarify: I'm talking about turning left on the left lane of a two-lane road. Should I keep driving on the left lane until he tells me to pass on the right, or should I pass without being told?

Maybe you aren't wording this properly. Why would you be passing someone on the right?

[kidyankee764]

I don't understand your question. First you ask about turning left, then you ask about passing on the right. I'm confused.

[JayCT]

I think the OP means that if there is a car turning left should he move over to the right lane to pass them on the right. Jay

[kidyankee764]

Originally Posted by JayCT

I think the OP means that if there is a car turning left should he move over to the right lane to pass them on the right. Jay

Ahh - Okay.

On your drivers test, stay put until the car makes the turn. In reality, if there is a second lane, wait until there are no cars coming in the right lane, throw your signal on, and pass. While this is legal, I still don't recommend you do it on your road test.

For what it's worth, if it's one lane and a car is turning left, it's unlawful to pass on the right in the shoulder. We all do it - but keep in mind that if the car changes their mind and decides to go straight as you're passing them, and they hit you, it's your fault.

[JayCT]

Originally Posted by kidyankee764

For what it's worth, if it's one lane and a car is turning left, it's unlawful to pass on the right in the shoulder even if there is plenty of room. We all do it - but keep in mind that if the car changes their mind and decides to go straight as you're passing them, and they hit you, it's your fault.

I thought it was legal in Connecticut to do that. There are many road which were designed to allow this. Jay