Q&A for How to Drive on the Highway

Just take it slow, obey the speed limits even if everyone else isn't, and stay in the right lane. Just keep your eyes on the road and maintain space around the drivers behind and in front of you. You'll get more confident over time!

You should always drive in the right lane except to pass.

It all depends on your confidence. You should make sure you feel completely confident and comfortable on back roads before attempting the highway.

Some highways have posted minimum speeds - usually 40 mph. Most do not, but it is usually unsafe to travel below that speed unless there are adverse weather conditions, road work, or other events that prevent you from safely traveling near or at the speed limit. If you are going to drive under the posted speed limit, make sure you are driving in the right hand lane.

No. There is no "fast lane." Traffic is supposed to keep to the right side for driving. The left lane is for passing.

In my opinion, a beginner should pick freeways without construction and go early morning on a Sunday, like 7 am. My daughter and I are going out today and we do this weekly. I also have her watch some training videos on YouTube to add further thought and discussion. The first attempt we made was an easy level freeway entrance where you don't have to merge onto the freeway if you don't feel up to it. Other freeway entrances are definite on where you must enter, so maybe talk to some experienced drivers and ask where these entrances are located. Ask an experienced driver to come along to guide.

Always stay in the right lane since passing primarily occurs on the left. You can also stay in center lanes as long as you are going with the flow of traffic. When getting off the highway, try to already be in the far right lane. Switch this advice around for Britain, Australia, New Zealand, etc.

Focus on the road, keep both hands on the steering wheel, and be ready to brake.

The diamond lane is used to indicate that there are restrictions on driving in them. They could be reserved for buses, carpools, trucks, emergency vehicles, and more - the purpose is to ensure the efficient travel of many people.

In left hand drive/right hand traffic countries, the fast lane is the left lane. In right hand drive countries it is the right lane. Keep in mind that the "fast" lane shouldn't be used except to pass other vehicles.

If you pass your exit, proceed to the next exit and use the slip ramps to turn around, then proceed back to your current exit. If it is the last exit before a toll facility or border crossing, you should pull over on the side of the road and call for highway patrol to help you.

To overtake a driver, use the innermost lane. Signal left, move to the left of the slower cars, pass them, give enough following distance, then move back right. In right hand drive countries move to the right instead of to the left. Don't use the innermost lanes except to pass other drivers.