California Car / Permit practice question · Safe Driving Practices
Before you change lanes, the best way to check your blind spot is to:
Answer choices
- Rely only on your side mirror
- Turn your head and look over your shoulder— Correct answer
- Rely only on the rearview mirror
- Honk before moving over
Why this is the answer
Mirrors have blind spots, so before changing lanes you must check over your shoulder on the side you are moving toward, turning only your head. Relying on a mirror alone can miss a vehicle, motorcyclist, or bicyclist beside you. Honking does not clear the lane either, so always make the shoulder check after signaling.
Source: California Driver Handbook — Changing Lanes
Content reviewed against official driver handbooks · August 12, 2026
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