California Car / Permit practice question · Speed & Space Management
If another vehicle merges into your lane too closely ahead of you, the best response is to:
Answer choices
- Ease off the accelerator to create space— Correct answer
- Flash your high beams at the vehicle
- Brake hard to punish the driver
- Swerve into the next lane immediately
Why this is the answer
If another driver merges ahead of you with too little room, take your foot off the accelerator to create space between you and that vehicle. Braking hard to punish the driver or swerving into another lane puts you at risk of a collision, and flashing your high beams does not make the road any safer for anyone.
Source: California Driver Handbook — Following Too Closely
Content reviewed against official driver handbooks · August 12, 2026
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