How To Merge Onto A Freeway Without Fear

[@thecanadiansavanna]

Passed my G test first try! Thank you for sharing these videos!

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi @savannabnana - that is *_OUTSTANDING_* news! Would you stop over at Smart Drive Test, register your success and enter the draw for the $100 Fuel Card - www.smartdrivetest.com/contact/donation Thank you for letting us know. I'm sure you are having a huge celebration, and it is well deserved owing to your study & practice. All the best, Cheers Rick 🏎 PS - where did you go for your first solo trip to celebrate? See this vid too my friend: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aGLLc31qbtiLY9U

[@geegeeme3256]

Doesn’t matter if you do everything right when merging onto the freeway, you always have that one car that makes it their life mission to prevent you from doing so.

[@DickGazInYa]

How so? You either accelerate in front of them if you have the power or tuck in and get behind them if you don't. Btw, people on the highway are under no obligation to let you in. They DO NOT have to move over, speed up or slow down. It is 100% on you as the merger to make the merge safely.

[@edentranlol]

i merge at 95mph and it’s funny seeing them try to block me but can’t catch up lull

[@DickGazInYa]

@@edentranlol Lol, I can relate.

[@smartdrivetest]

The first part I agree with; the second part, not so much. Driving is a social activity. If you can move over or slow a bit to help out the merging driver, than you should. As safer, smarter drivers we all bear this responsibility. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@smartdrivetest]

Other driver rarely try to block you intentionally. And you must have some car if you get to those speeds on an acceleration lane!?! 👍 Cheers Rick

[@calsbarn5996]

When helping my kids learn to drive I told them NOT to look at the cars on the highway when entering. Instead, look at the gap BETWEEN the cars. There’s a tendency to go towards whatever you’re looking at so look at the gap you want to fit into.

[@smartdrivetest]

That's an excellent tip my friend. I'm going to use that to help new drivers to merge. Thank you. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@TheArmedNurse]

My problem when I first began driving was getting spooked at the end of the acceleration lane and either slowing down or worse, coming to a complete stop! You can only imagine the horror of my mother in the passenger seat as cars are honking behind us. It's actually harder to get in when you slow down/stop so it just sort of creates a whole traffic jam for everyone. Now, I press the pedal completely down and get up to speed with traffic. No problems getting in whatsoever!

[@marionrowe3332]

Thanks for this tip

[@exploreruniverse3463]

What if the traffic is busy and you don’t get a spot to merge?

[@smartdrivetest]

That seldom happens my friend. And if it does, you either failed to pick your spot when on the on-ramp, or you didn’t signal effectively. When on the on-ramp pick your spot, signal, and aim for that spot with absolute conviction. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@TheArmedNurse]

@@exploreruniverse3463 If traffic on the highway is at a complete stop like during rush hour and there is no gap to merge into then you will have to stop until someone lets you in. However, if it is moving and just really back-to-back then the best thing you can do is just stay as close to the shoulder as possible and maintain your speed. If someone sees you have your blinker on, they will move over to let you in. Most drivers aren't jerks but there are jerks out there who will not let you in even if you are signaling ahead of time.

[@Thisbrickwall]

This made me feel so much better thank you, you rock! 😄😁

[@s50201]

100% ppl need to learn to gun it on on-ramps. Being timid in this situation makes it far more dangerous for others & themselves.

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi s50201 - you are correct my friend. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@nocheesable2345]

Very true

[@tealnoise]

@@mafikdew78 doesn't matter, you have to go faster than the car otherwise you could cause them to crash

[@Xannyphantom905]

So what do you do when the acceleration lane gives you 2 seconds to get over, but the lane you're going to has no space? I mean cars lined up all going atleast 60, one after the other.

[@s50201]

@@Xannyphantom905 f you can't figure that out, don't drive. I can merge in peak rush hrs. in NE tristate no problems. Find a good target, match speed, wedge yourself in. If asshole won't let you in, you do have to know to back off.

[@ryneu3586]

Just got my license on Monday, I have driven on the freeway a couple times before but not by myself. Going to test it on Sunday. Thanks for the video!

[@ihmpall]

^ His last message

[@m4rtin.]

@@ihmpall 😹😹

[@darkkforest]

Bro, did you come off the freeway?

[@dirtydoge756]

As an over-the-road truck driver, I wish more people would watch this video. I cannot tell you how many times I have had somebody merge right in front of me at 35 mph on a 70 mph interstate. If more people would watch this video, and educate themselves on proper driving techniques, a lot more lives could be saved.

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi DirtyDoge - thank you for your recommendation. We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@dirtydoge756]

@@smartdrivetest I don't know if you can some how time or organize a video with a truck driver in heavy traffic to let a novice or uninformed driver know what they should do when they can't merge. In my opinion they should either do what they can to get Infront of the truck at a slow moving pace, or IMMEDIATELY back off and try and get behind. A good portion of my stress is when. Cars sit in my Blindspot and risk running themselves in a concrete barricade or worse! There really should be a set "make up your mind!" type set of rules for an encounter like that, and I realize every situation is different, but maybe covering a few scenarios when it comes to that would be helpful to some car drivers. I have seen cars do some of the DUMBEST things ever, including floor it to the guard rail then slam on their brakes; floor it on the on ramp, then realize there's no room to merge, and ever once saw someone go way faster than they should have and spin out in the middle of the interstate after trying to make the gap they saw earlier only to end up causing the whole interstate to have to slam on their brakes while they righted themselves. I've seen some things lol

[@madarauchihathetruesavior4081]

Safety should be everyone's number one priority

[@billyb4790]

Yes but you can’t win. When I punch it and try to merge I find the oncoming cars will accelerate too. And if I slow down then they also slow down. The difficulty is not being able to tell what the merfing cars speed rate is. Can’t bloody win. Ever.

[@jeschr3462]

The best way to merge onto the freeway is to look, signal, and match the highway speed. And speed up/slow down as need be. Some people just keep gunning it without looking. Also this is why I never ever drive on the far right lane unless I'm about to exit.

[@johnwick-ii6il]

Definitely good information. Just a brief word about the zipper merge, If an accident happens in the zipper merge many traffic courts still apply the law which holds the merging party responsible. In most situations there will be one lane that ends and must merge with the thru lane. Meaning the thru lane does not merge unless otherwise posted. The laws are a bit behind when it comes to joint liability. Just keep in mind that the dead lanes drivers may be the only ones merging in the eyes of the law And therefor are automatically responsible for a collision. Something to consider before thinking that you are owed a zipper merge.

[@smartdrivetest]

You are correct my friend. The onus of responsibility for merging is on the merging driver. And I DON'T endorse the zipper merge. It's one of those things that either everyone does it, or no one does it. Also, it's not even close to the best defensive posturing. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@tiptonbrett]

Getting up to speed is important. It's also important to begin looking for your opening as soon as possible. I would recommend more than a 2-3 second following distance if possible when there is traffic in front of you in the merging lane. First, some people don't know how to merge. Second, you want a buffer, because you will need to check your blind spot. While that's just a quick look, a lot of distance can be covered at highway speeds. You also need to watch out for the traffic behind you. Even if you have a spot and are up to speed, the crazy behind you may move over into the lane you need to merge and take your spot. They might also try to pass you on the right if they're driving a vehicle that is quite a bit faster than you. You need to be aware of everything around you and assume other drivers will do stupid things.

[@Ballinhard8019]

*Totally commit foot to the floor* this man speaks the truth. I merge around 75-90mph where possible.

[@Phlebas]

I'm an experienced driver... in a small rural area with low population density. We don't have on-ramps here. We have stop signs, because there's so little traffic that turning onto the highway is as simple as turning onto a residential road. Anyway, I'm moving to Vancouver in a couple months. Excited, but also dreading the traffic. I'm not new to merging onto the highways in the Lower Mainland, but I'm also not so experienced that I can do so without feeling my heart pounding in my chest. Honestly, I think the thing that I needed to hear most was that "most people will try to work with you". I know not to count on it, but just knowing that if I drive at a predictable speed and try to match traffic, that's eliminating 95% percent of the hazards right there (the other 5% being other drivers acting unpredictably).

[@AcButeo]

Thank you for this video, it really is a public service for everyone. The worst is when the person in front of you is slow, uses most of the lane and barely makes it into the freeway last minute and now the person behind them is left both slow and without sufficient room to accelerate.

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi NightOwl - I hear you my friend. It's important for people to get going on an on-ramp and acceleration lane...it is definitely not the place to doddle! All the best, Cheers Rick

[@yourlocalreptillian1742]

Visualizing this freeway lane merging thing has helped me better understand what my manual was saying. Thanks!

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi Your Local Reptillian - you are most welcome my friend. Drop us a note if we can help further my friend. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@jayguapo2036]

just passed my road test a few days ago ! this video is very useful as i’m starting to get more on the highways here in SoCal

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi jay guapo - that is GOLDEN NEWS! Would you stop over at Smart Drive Test, register your success and enter the draw for the $100 Fuel Card - www.smartdrivetest.com/contact/donation Thank you for letting us know. I'm sure you are having a huge celebration, and it is well deserved owing to your study & practice. All the best, Cheers Rick 🏎 PS - where did you go for your first solo trip to celebrate? See this vid too my friend: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aGLLc31qbtiLY9U

[@jayguapo2036]

Smart Drive Test went to go to the restaurant buffalo wild wings with my friends to watch the dodgers play

[@smartdrivetest]

That sounds like an awesome celebration my friend. All the very best, Cheers Rick

[@biblebasefaith4971]

Same here. I got my license this pass October and I’m just now practicing the free ways. This helps.

[@thatpharaohaintright116]

I passed my test 2 days ago. Only started driving a month ago with my instructor too. Ill still watch these because im not too confident about freeways even tho ive been on it twice with my instructor. I have no more lessons left. :( he was proud and said im a safe driver and in 3 years i could train to become an instructor myself if i wanted to. Feels like socal testing dmv was waaaay too easy than I thought itd be. Even though I learned the skills parallel and freeway, it wasnt on the exam. felt like it was cheating passing the test since it was so easy. Now i realize why young california drivers can be so crazy on the road after getting their license. They arent tested enough things anymore... Once they pass the safety stuff is thrown in the trash can and bad habits come. My family said they had to do freeway and parallel parking when they took theirs many years ago, which was much more difficult than now.

[@smartdrivetest]

The difficulty of the test depends on the examiner. And believe me, the test were not harder in the "ole" days of driving. With the GDL program, there is are a lot more challenges with getting a license. Just remember what your parents always say: "In my day we walked to school bare foot...in the snow...uphill....10 miles...both ways!" It's tougher now my friend. But yes, the driver's test is a low bench mark for how people are going to drive. You're in the right place if you're going to be a safer, smarter driver. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@thatpharaohaintright116]

@@smartdrivetest thanks for the videos they really help

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi That Pharaoh Aint Right - you are most welcome my friend. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@jontrellpritchett9628]

Passed my road test today all thanks to you rick keep up the good work

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi Jontrell Pritchett - that is *_TERRIFIC_* news! Would you stop over at Smart Drive Test, register your success and enter the draw for the $100 Fuel Card - www.smartdrivetest.com/contact/donation Thank you for letting us know. I'm sure you are having a huge celebration, and it is well deserved owing to your study & practice. All the best, Cheers Rick 🏎 PS - where did you go for your first solo trip to celebrate? See this vid too my friend: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aGLLc31qbtiLY9U

[@kingdomsoldier4753]

I just passed my road test, after the first try, your videos were really helpful thank you very much ........

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi chinonso nomcy - thank you for your kind words. That is *_TERRIFIC_* news! Would you stop over at Smart Drive Test, register your success and enter the draw for the $100 Fuel Card - www.smartdrivetest.com/contact/donation Thank you for letting us know. I'm sure you are having a huge celebration, and it is well deserved owing to your study & practice. All the best, Cheers Rick 🏎 PS - where did you go for your first solo trip to celebrate? See this vid too my friend: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aGLLc31qbtiLY9U

[@knoxthegoatsays]

Got my N on the first try after binging your videos! Only got 2 marks for areas of improvement. Going to practice merging a little more in the coming weeks. Thanks for everything you do!

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi Jack Little - And you are most welcome. We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@mrslick58]

This is easy the problem is when the acceleration lane is literally less then 100 ft long

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi HGC 4E - in those situations my friend, you'll have to use part of the on-ramp to get speed. And that first acceleration lane was really short. You have to get the gas pedal right to the floor and commit. See this vid too: kzbin.info/www/bejne/moq4qYSGp9V2qbs Drop us a note if we can help further my friend. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@morbb5691]

Another thing that helps while accelerating onto the freeway from an on-ramp is to actually turn your head to look left (or right) at the traffic and see where it is in relation to you as soon as you can so you can find a space to get onto on the freeway. Yeah, most people will slow down a bit to let you into the right lane of the freeway but like Smart Drive guy said, don't count on it. And when going down the freeway and passing an on-ramp, pay attention and actually look to see if anyone is on the ramp accelerating onto the freeway and where they are in relation to you. And there's no need to be too conscientious or "nice" about *always* using your turn signal in busy freeway traffic. Use it when you safely have time to because sometimes when switching lanes or merging onto a busy freeway or whatever you might get into a situation where you simply have to quickly make a move and that doesn't always include time to use a turn signal. In these cases, keeping space between you and other vehicles is more important and safer.

[@dieseldan3545]

I wish every driver on the road could see this video. I drive tractor trailer for a living 26 years and I do my part to speed up and slow down to help the merging vehicles but when they’re distracted or on their phone, they have blatant disregard to everyone safety, especially theirs because you’re not gonna get into a fender bender with another car you’re talking about being possibly flat as a pancake by tractor trailer. I can only help them out and slow down as much as I can in a tractor trailer and so many times they end up giving me the finger. what this video says at the two minute mark is very important especially if it turns into an accident because the person entering the highway Has to do their part to safely speed up and merge correctly.

[@CaptainCJ97]

Coming back to these vids even after having my license for 3 years & owning my car almost two years come july 10th these come in real handy. Some high ways here in California got traffic lights before you merg gotta hammer it & watch traffic too. Another I got no tickets or accidents I almost got rear-ended last Thursday the guy swerved he was only a couple inches away.

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi Captain CJ 97 - thank you for being part a continued member of the smart driver community my friend. We're happy to hear that your driving career thus far has been a happy one with few incidences. Drop us a note if we can help further my friend. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@annas9720]

as a new driver, this is one of the things that scares me most. I have such anxiety doing this

[@smg1336]

How are you doing now?

[@annas9720]

@@smg1336 thanks for asking! I’ve actually been practicing a lot the past 2 months with an experienced driver and am much more comfortable merging and just driving on the highway. It’s not as scary as it seems. I’m actually set to take my test for my full license (G2) at the end of the month.

[@yalrdyknow]

May I ask how long it took you to successfully make it? I took 1 hour to be really good at it.

[@annas9720]

@@yalrdyknow to successfully make it? As in get my full license or?

[@yalrdyknow]

@annas9720 oh sorry, I meant as in making the merge in. Some people have told me that they were nervous merging into the highway and it took them 2 hours of practice to perfectly merge in.

[@alaska7155]

I just want to say thanks to your videos I passed my road test !! thank u so much u were a lot of help

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi alaska - that is *_BRILLIANT_* news! Would you stop over at Smart Drive Test, register your success and enter the draw for the $100 Fuel Card - www.smartdrivetest.com/contact/donation Thank you for letting us know. I'm sure you are having a huge celebration, and it is well deserved owing to your study & practice. All the best, Cheers Rick 🏎 PS - where did you go for your first solo trip to celebrate? See this vid too my friend: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aGLLc31qbtiLY9U

[@FareeqAbelHammed]

What if someone in front of my acceleration starts to decelerate and press on brake pedal?Should I turn on hazard light and do hard braking? Yes you should accelerate. BUT ALSO prepare for worst case scenario. Don't accelerate like maniac if there is another car infront of you and be prepared to hit the brake. Please. Ofcourse accelerate but be prepared to hit the brakes when the person infront slams the brake. you dont expect the other guy to be as perfect as you.

[@katiswan3160]

Thank you Rick for creating this wonderful video and teaching me how to drive safely on the freeway. Will I have to tell the driving examiner of my hearing disability?

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi Kati Swan - you are most welcome my friend. Yes, if you have a disability, best to notify the examiner so that you can get clear instructions and there isn't any break down in the communication and directions my friend. Drop us a note if we can help further my friend. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@davecarlogabrillo800]

Thank you for the videos.. i passed my first take behind the wheel at arleta DMV cali.. with only 2 mistakes (SPEED LIMIT) TOO SLOW.. LOL! You're an angel! Keep up the good work sir! God bless you!

[@hitomifukui5265]

At one of the entry points to BC 1 West in North Vancouver, there was almost no acceleration lane but yield signs and a white line that indicates where to stop before merging onto the highway if necessary. I totally committed and speeded up but had to slam the brake to stop because two cars were coming with no safe gap in between. I hope you can cover this type of entering highway.

[@soniasofiaa9762]

I liked the plane taking off, nice touch :)

[@EpicThe112]

Good tips some on ramps have a ramp meter on them not sure if you treat those as a normal on ramp or not. Shorter acceleration Lanes are also found older toll roads

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi EpicThe112 - Ramp meters are essentially a traffic light. These control access to the freeway in a bid to reduce congestion. Authorities also claim these increase safety by breaking up the clusters of vehicles. And yes, after obeying the traffic light, you would proceed to merge with traffic as per the instructions in the video. Thanks for your great comment my friend. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@sabasmindfulbaking]

Hi Rick, I'm watching your videos before going for my highway drive lesson. I don't know why my mind just goes blank as soon as I'm on the highway ramp 😶 just want to overcome that panic..any tips

[@sebastiancatalan4181]

Finally a video in the lower mainland!!!

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi Sebastian Catalan - yes, I wanted to re-shoot this video with heavier traffic to answer the FAQs about merging into heavier traffic. Do you live in Van? Drop us a note if we can help further my friend. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@scottysblog7317]

What about exits that are marked "exit 25 mph" that are practically a narrow circle? How do you approach that with a very short declaration lane?

[@martinharris1278]

In Houston and in Texas in general, you need to be going at least 70mph on the on ramp. Even then some cars will not let you on making you drive in the emergency lane.

[@catalinalovin4733]

Thanks a lot for the tips 🙏 if we can not manage to enter the highway as explained in the video, is it a major mistake to stop and check? 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@smartdrivetest]

Not only is it a major mistake my friend, but you are putting yourself in a "VERY" dangerous situation. You MUST commit. See this vid for more information: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h2WbeIenfL-Mmbs If you have some fear around this maneuver, I suggest that you work with another driver or hire a driving instructor. Drop us a note if you have further questions, or we can help out more. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@brentsummers7377]

Great video! This is a tough skill to learn if you live in a small town or rural area. However, even quite small cities will have some two or three lane highways that you can use for practice.

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi @brentsummers7377 - glad you liked it. Drop us a note if we can help further my friend. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@akuffobeveiliging6426]

Thank you. Am now able to get over my fear of driving on the highway

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi Akuffo Beveiliging - you are most welcome my friend. Drop us a note if we can help further my friend. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@xojessi]

What if you cannot safely reach 95 KM? Is it okay to travel at a slower speed? My G test is on Tuesday and I'm watching all of your videos!

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi jess - you simply have to put the accelerator right on the floor. I haven't met a car yet that won't get up to 95kph before merging out onto the highway. Drop us a note if we can help further my friend. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@xojessi]

@@smartdrivetest I passed my G :)

[@justinperry68]

It’s a pet peeve of mine, most merges are on a long sweeping Corner, when you finish the corner, accelerate up to highway speeds, I’ve scene some people come to a stop

[@trudsbrown797]

Short and informative 👍

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi Trud's Brown - Thank you my friend. It's party of the new and improved information delivery system. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@angelicalecureux3458]

My driver test is going to be next Friday and today was my second time on the highway, still I feel I need get better merging I get so scared!

[@farhadnikzad]

When i am close to merging with a high speed, and i see a long line or few cars in through-driving traffic, should i slow down my car or ...merging lane will be finished? Thanks doctor of driving...

[@derekjackson3990]

Are the rules for merging different out west than they are on East cost? I moved to Denver 15 years ago and not only do people out here not speed up as they are merging but slow down.

[@jordanclarke1680]

My mom told me "If there isn't a spot to merge into just stop and wait. " I'm fairly certain this is incorrect and highly dangerous if you stop on an onramp (unless traffic ahead of you is stopped). Am I right?

[@africanbootyscratcher6171]

Yes

[@africanbootyscratcher6171]

Practice after rush hour in the morning or evening

[@ryans413]

Step 1 speed up Step 2 shoulder check Step 3 signal Step 4 find gap Step 5 move in Do these steps every time you won’t have an issue merging in

[@miriamalfonso64]

Amazing ! I am getting so much from your videos

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi Miriam Alfonso MAP - We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@halynaandadrianh7847]

Your videos help a lot! Thank you very much!

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi Halyna and Adrian H - you are most welcome my friend. Drop us a note if we can help further my friend. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@nolsova1140]

This was helpful-thank you!

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi Nol Sova - you are most welcome my friend. Drop us a note if we can help further my friend. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@Marwa.AR2019]

thanks Rick for you amazing helpful tips

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi Marwa Salman - And you are most welcome. We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@bigdolph5818]

What about the double merge: down ramp (entry) upramp(exit) merge?

[@smartdrivetest]

Where are you located my friend? I've seen double off-ramps, but can't say I've seen a lot of double on-ramps. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@rabioramos1796]

Hey one question you see that gray car on 4:29 slowed down on a acceleration lane isn’t that a wrong way to enter the highway you should never do ? But if so how because it slowing down may have prevented a Crash

[@hre2044]

Rick if you for some reason cannot fit in the lane in time, would it be better to just drive on the edge of the road or would it be better to slow down? In an emergency situation.

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi HRE - There's no such thing as "can't fit" my friend. Think of it like a plane taking off - you can't abort. You need to put your foot into the throttle and aim for your gap that you picked as you were coming out. Never stop, never slow down - there's only merge! Drop us a note if we can help further my friend. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@hre2044]

@@smartdrivetest How do you know the speed you should go on the on-ramp though? Some on-ramps you must go very slow because they're very tight and wind around. Some are very easy and you could easily reach 80km on the on-ramp alone.

[@Mangaluvr247]

This freaks me out the most. Always seems like a gamble if other people will help me out. My mom says you have to make the decision to gun it or slow down depending on where the car is in the lane if they don't make space for you.

[@wandaoleary9792]

Great video.

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi Wanda OLeary - you are most welcome my friend. Drop us a note if we can help further my friend. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@applepieclub5012]

What do you do if you're the first car in the acceleration lane, with cars behind you, but it's impossible to merge? Do you just wait in the accerlation lane until it's safe to merge?

[@smartdrivetest]

It's never impossible to merge. Match the speed of the traffic on the highway, put on you signal, and crowd the left side of your lane - not out of your lane, but the left side. Some one will create space and let you in. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@applepieclub5012]

@@smartdrivetest appreciate the tip, thanks, Rick!

[@smartdrivetest]

@@applepieclub5012 - You are most welcome. Drop us a note if you have questions. Cheers Rick

[@omsai-xe7hn]

Please, Can you make videos on how to break smoothly and how to maintain speed? 😊

[@McToaster1]

Hi Rick, I've been driving around the city but only on city streets. I've only been on the highway once and that was because I turned right into an on ramp by accident. It turned out okay but I definitely need to practice a lot more. Any tips on how to effectively practice highway merging and driving? Thanks for the help.

[@smartdrivetest]

Practice earlier in the morning or later in the evening when the traffic is lighter. Also, if you know a veteran driver that can go with you, that will help too my friend. Drive safe my friend. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@stop08it]

I’ve been driving for 20 years and still get nervous getting on freeways. The people in my city drive crazy and are very selfish so I sometimes still avoid freeways if I can

[@balsamicvinegerchips1729]

lol in pa we don’t have acceleration lanes and some lanes merge onto the left lanes of the highways

[@jahmilly937]

hello, this is probably a dumb question but what do you do when the deceleration lane is full when there is very busy traffic? seems like a very rare scenario

[@dirtydoge756]

Use your best judgment to match your speed to the traffic, look for an opening and take it. Check your mirrors, check ahead, and keep an eye on the traffic already on the interstate.

[@JBlackout]

Hey Rick! So I've come across drivers who do not accelerate fast enough on the on-ramp when im the one currently on the freeway and it leaves us to sort of collide if I don't move to another lane or gun it for them. How can I do better in this situation? Sometimes they even match up to my speed and it confuses me. Any advice is appreciated!

[@canton7180]

been in the same situation often, technically and lawfully you do not have to yeild to them in any way, even if it means they have to come to complete stop, myself I will try to enter the lane to the left to remove myself from their path but you can't always do that because a vehicle maybe in that lane, irl at that point you either accelerate or brake to avoid collision, but seriously they are the one's creating the problem by not accelrating to the speed of traffic they are trying to enter....this is remedial 101 driving but I gather driver's ed is no longer a course.

[@edithduran1691]

Yeah, but I just hate how cars from my town are going extremely fast, which gets me scared to emerge onto the hwy 🙃😖

[@Thisbrickwall]

You are AWESOME, Rick! Thank you so much for this video it made me feel so much better and now I’m actually excited to start driving in the freeway this Wednesday. I have a big day I am starting my pre student teaching at a school in a different city and I will NOT let the highway hinder me from this opportunity 😁😄 thanks again Rick you rock

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi Nickiminajstan - And you are most welcome. We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@groundedasmr1234]

Thank you sir!!

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi Grounded Psychology ASMR - you are most welcome my friend. Drop us a note if we can help further my friend. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@dangarrom]

This is the most helpful video in KZbin other video don't explain as wil like this video

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi Daniel Garcia - And you are most welcome. We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@GalyaStefano]

Traffic does not move around. Every other time I drive I almost hit someone because of that, and if were to hit someone, it would have been my fault. Most difficult part is shoulder checking at high speed. I shoulder checked today and next thing I see is I am about to hit a car I didn’t see. I wish you did more detailed videos on merging.

[@smartdrivetest]

See these videos my friend: kzbin.info/www/bejne/moq4qYSGp9V2qbs We got videos on merging my friend. Try and look at the spaces between the vehicles. And pick your spot when you're on the on-ramp. That way you can find you spot and aim for that spot. The speed will take care of itself. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@GalyaStefano]

Thank you sir! Where you’ve driven in these videos, people were very nice. Where I live, however, they most often do not help you merge since they don’t have to(that’s the logic here). I’ll be looking for that gap. Thanks for the tip!

[@smartdrivetest]

@@GalyaStefano - assume that other drivers aren't going to help you out my friend. When they do you'll smile and be pleasantly surprised. Pick your spot and commit to the merge. See this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h2WbeIenfL-Mmbs Drop us a note if we can help further. Cheers Rick

[@Hazwaste63]

Had a driver in a white Telsa honk at me this weekend. I was in the right lane of a 4 lane divided highway going 60 while towing a 26' travel trailer, and he/she was entering at about 50. There was plenty of room in front and in back of me for them to enter, and there was a line of traffic next to me passing, so no way for me to get out of their way (not that it's my job to do that). Instead of accelerating and merging (that's what Teslas are good at right?) they drove into the emergency lane next to me and leaned on their horn, presumably because I didn't stomp on my brake to yield to someone entering the highway. This type of stuff happens at least 3 or 4 times when I'm towing. Once it happened in east Houston, I was minding my own business driving down the highway and the guy merging simply drove into the side of my travel trailer.

[@SomenathChakraborty]

valuable advices

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi Somenath Chakraborty - you are most welcome my friend. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@reaper1857]

How do I merge over to highway in driving test right after roundabout correctly

[@876Raiden]

I like the shorter videos

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi PrinceC876 Media - Thank you for your feedback my friend. Yes, we're figuring out how to get more into a shorter video. It's part of the evolution. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@madarauchihathetruesavior4081]

My dad took me on the freeway my first time driving we were practicing in a empty parking lot at first and said you're very well at moving the car without stopping and going so he took me to the freeway

[@edrianjude]

Exiting and entering the highway is a challenge for me

[@PeterSchneemann]

I get that you need to signal as soon as possible and accelerate to the speed limit before merging. But who can tell me what to do if there are many vehicles one after another left of you who would not you merge, while your lane is about to end and you are at such a high speed?

[@sandram3355]

This has been my issue too, I live in a very congested city, busy highways. Whenever I do a lesson with my instructor, this is a pain point. There are almost always cars lined up to my left, none move into the next lane to allow me to merge and a lot don't slow down to let you in. Meanwhile I'm gunning it and trying to squeeze in. My instructor almost always has to help. Rarely can I smoothly merge based on ideal circumstances around me, its always a gamble.

[@PeterSchneemann]

@@sandram3355 And I suppose this is in North America where drivers are more tolerant. Imagine (South) Europe!

[@smartdrivetest]

If it's busy, match the speed of the traffic into which you want to merge. LEAVE your signal on. A flashing signal perturbs other drivers. Crowd the left side of the lane. In less than 30 seconds, someone will make a space for you and let you in. See this vid too: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rn20aZ-hrNuFa6c Drop us a note if we can help further. Cheers Rick

[@MysticXX]

What if the traffic doesn’t want to move around you and won’t let you merge

[@ryanallen2647]

I hate when the acceleration lane is also an exit. I cant get over because people are merging and almost hitting my car

[@smartdrivetest]

You are correct my friend. Traffic engineers are phasing these out because they're dangerous. We only have one in our area. Do you have many where you live? Cheers Rick

[@BrianaKozak]

@@smartdrivetest For some reason I saw these a lot around Seattle, which was very aggravating. Almost every on ramp is also an exit. Most of the highways are only 2 lanes as well and I think the city designed it before Seattle had a population boom because it is kind of like mayhem

[@forme3581]

What I learned is that if there is no concrete wall blocking you you can keep going in the emergency lane if you absolutely had too which rarely happens

[@hre2044]

Hey Rick, at the 1:38 mark I'm wondering who goes there? There's a merge before another merge. The yellow sign shows that the roads connect.

[@hre2044]

Oh okay never mind, I see that it's a yield sign just before it.

[@smartdrivetest]

🖖

[@Beautifulblessings88]

I tried to merge in, and I had my single on tried to get on. No one would move over to let me on. I ended out of Lane, so I had to stop. Then, when it was clear, I finally got on. I hate driving on the interstate. That's why I don't drive on the interstate.

[@smartdrivetest]

The four most powerful words in the English language: "I CAN DO THIS!" On the on-ramp--as you're coming out onto the interstate--pick your spot and aim for that spot my friend. Don't expect other traffic to move...especially if it's busy. However, if you have a hole or a spot in the traffic for which you can aim - the speed and the driving will more-or-less take care of itself. And if there's a semi-truck on the interstate, plan to move in behind the semi-truck. And if there's another driver you trust that has experience, ask him/her to go with you until you become more comfortable with merging. Drop us a note if you have further questions. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@Beautifulblessings88]

@@smartdrivetest thanks.

[@vitocorleone377]

I have a question. What if I am trying to merge onto a two-lane highway from a zipper merge lane, and there are two very long trucks in both the right lane(to which I would join) and the left lane(the passing lane). The truck on the right cannot move over to left nor slow down given their size. Do I slow down? I am asking this because two days ago this happened to me. I was speeding up to the speed of the highway traffic, before merging, I couldn't see the two trucks come until I was past the gore line because the highway slopes down from a bridge and the ramp I take goes uphill. The concrete structure of the bridge blocked my view of the road. Me being a new driver, didn't want to do anything rash and I moved over to wait in the shoulder for all the traffic to clear and then merged. Can anyone please offer some suggestion on it? I would appreciate it very much.

[@mangeshnevgi5818]

There are always vehicles on the merging lane who do not slow down and make freeway merging very difficult and unsafe ...

[@smartdrivetest]

That hasn't been my experience my friend, even in a bus and tractor-trailer. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@nWo_remiix]

so exit then brake?

[@summer-c7i]

I’m in the US, so traffic laws and norms can differ. I will say this is a good tutorial, but the unsafe driving behavior I see a lot here in the US is that many people often don’t seem to be looking for openings, nor yielding to those who have the right-of-way bc they’re already traveling on said highway. These unsafe drivers just barrel onto the highway. Yes, you do have to accelerate and ideally match the traffic’s speed, but none of that matters if there are no safe openings, esp when traffic can change very quickly. At the same time, you don’t want to enter the highway at an unsafe slow speed, either, and only stop on the ramp if it’s an emergency. That could cause people who are already on the highway to slam on their brakes or may not have a chance to change lanes. But don’t go barreling into a highway, blindly. That’s just idiocy and dangerous.

[@bobbreton1019]

If you have that one guy who is not going to let you in slow just a bit and tuck in behind. If you were to get in front of this driver they will be right up your tail making it a very dangerous and stressful situation. Let the guy be in front of you because more than likely it's safer for you.

[@FlatbedJay]

As a truck driver I wish more licensed drivers had this skill. Seems like nobody knows how to merge correctly.

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi Jason Friend - We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@Ibhenriksen]

Oh my God. Did that person at 4:31 stop?

[@NemomKim]

How about City Road. I I wait right side no one give me room

[@jessecully4673]

What if hypothetically there were 500 cars blocking the highway and you weren’t able to exit the Merge lane, what do you do then?

[@sagar_gfsh]

Something bad happened to me. Lot of traffic on the right most lane. One car after another going at high speed. I kept going on the acceleration lane with pretty decent speed ~60mph but couldn't find a spot. Nobody slowed down and they didn't even move over to their left lane. The acceleration lane was about to end. I had no option but to start braking and not merge. I ended up in the emergency lane and finally stopped. Phew!!

[@DickGazInYa]

The people on the highway are under no obligation to slow down, sleep up or move over to allow you to merge. The merge is 100% on you. As for not being able to get in front of the people on the highway.... You wouldn't have that problem with a V8 lol.

[@sagar_gfsh]

@@DickGazInYa My car was aligned with middle of the traffic in the right lane. I couldn't have reached the front even with a Chiron. Lots of cars in right lane with very less distance between each other. And this was Florida where people don't care. I probably should have honked because it's Florida.

[@DickGazInYa]

@@sagar_gfsh Agreed, some people just like to make it hard for no reason. They see you merging and speed up to close the gap. And I can 100% sympathize with the very less distance between each other lol. You could be going 70-80mph and have someone 3 feet from your bumper... It's crazy.

[@RStevenPage]

My thing is hop on freeway asap at speed. Don't wait until the road runs out.

[@jeffcraig478]

He is going way to slow. If the speed limit is 60 hit the ramp at 70. Super easy to merge. Just make it happen. When you exit the highway, don't slow down to 45 mph a mile and half from your exit. Your slowing down could very well cause an accident. Unless you are driving a loaded truck hit the ramp at highway speed. Stay out of the left lane unless you are passing. Pick a speed and stick with it. Don't fluctuate 15 MPH because you are watching KZbin videos about cats. Yield the left lane to faster traffic. Don't get mad. Get out of the lane long before faster traffic has to adjust their speed. Finally if you see flashing lights on the other side of the jersey barriers, if you see an accident, nuns, ducks space aliens don't slow down, don't hit the brakes don't look, just drive. It's none of your business and your stupidity will cause an accident. Driving is focus and intensity.

[@km6610]

I hate how fast the merging lanes end. Doesn't feel safe at all.

[@Tylnorton]

What's ore annoying is there's the one driver that will not be on the gas at all doing doing about 35-40mph trying to get on the highway. I have passed those cars on the on the double white lines before it's broken white line because I'm not gonna put myself in a position where it's unsafe to be going far too slow.

[@danielsonscott3038]

Driving is a social activity!

[@Bagged1804]

MA onramps are the difficult ones to handle. They do not give you any room to accelerate

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi Juliane Ferraz - when that's the case my friend, you have to start gaining speed at the on-ramp. That ramp at the beginning of this video is super short. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@maujo2009]

What if I can’t make room for cars merging in front of me because there are cars in the other lane?

[@jayy24195]

Its sometimes impossible to safely merge bc theirs WAY TOO MANY cars/trucks on the road

[@jaayro]

Lol I've been struggling with this so much but hearing you say "I'm gonna pick my spot" just made so much click. Haha, thanks so much!

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi jaayro - And you are most welcome. We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@gregpearce3864]

I drive semi trucks for a living, and I recently purchased an equinox with a 2.4 engine.. and when I'm trying to get up to speed and merge in it feels like I'm going to blow the engine that has to shift down twice the RPMs are way up because it's such a weak engine.. these engines are just too weak that they're putting in these SUVs nowadays

[@smartdrivetest]

There's a huge difference between gas and diesel my friend. The buggy--my ole' 1998 Honda CRV--usually runs 4-5,000rpm when I'm merging out onto a highway. Diesel engines on the other hand produce a lot of torque, and therefore only rev out to 1,800-2,500 rpm, depending on the engine. I also might be your transmission. Is that a possibility? Cheers Rick

[@rebeccayt97]

I am still terrified of this. What if I am behind a car and turn my head to make sure I can merge while accelerating, and then the car in front of me slows down or brakes? I'm afraid of causing an accident...

[@jonnybirchyboy1560]

Don’t turn your head, use your mirrors

[@jasonlangmead8418]

But watch it . There's alot of dummies that stop on on ramps and will cause you to rear end them while you're trying to merge safely .

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi Jason Langmead - you are correct my friend. Manage the space in front of your vehicle so that in case the person in front does something unpredictable--such as stopping--you can be ready. And as you said, keep an eye out for those that make the mistake of stopping on acceleration lanes. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@jeremiahmoore8283]

So is there a best thing to do when you’re forced to stop in a situation like this?