Which technique helps you check for a vehicle in your blind spots before changing lanes?

Prepare for the California DMV Traffic School Test. Study with interactive quizzes, flashcards, and understand with detailed explanations. Get cleared for your driving confidently!

Before you change lanes, you need to actively check for vehicles in your blind spots by using your mirrors and adding a quick over-your-shoulder glance toward the lane you plan to enter. Mirrors show what’s behind and to the sides, but blind spots exist where they can’t see—so a short head turn helps confirm the lane is clear before you move. Relying on mirrors alone leaves those blind spots unchecked, and turning the steering wheel the other way doesn’t provide visibility into adjacent lanes. Looking over your shoulder after you’ve already started to move is unsafe because you could collide with a vehicle you didn’t see. Using both mirror checks and a quick shoulder check gives you a safer, more complete view before changing lanes.