24 - Higher-speed areas – merge onto a motorway or highway

Aim

To legally and safely merge onto a motorway or highway, via a merge lane or from the kerb.

In a 70–100km/h zone.
Either:
Α. parked on the side of the road on a two-way highway, or
Β. in a merge lane for a multi-laned motorway.

Α. When parked on the side of the road:

Search ahead and to the rear, using mirrors both inside and outside.
Indicate right for at least three seconds before moving.
Check the mirrors again and check the blind spot with a head check over right shoulder.
Select an appropriate gap.
When safe to go, accelerate quickly to an appropriate speed to merge with the traffic, while remaining within the posted speed limit.
Check appropriate mirrors.

Β. From a merge lane:

Use the full length of the merge lane to adjust speed to match the speed of the traffic flow, while remaining within the posted speed limit.
Indicate right for at least three seconds before merging (while in the merge lane).
Search for an appropriate gap in the traffic.
Move into the gap when safe.
Get into a correct position in the traffic flow and stay at a safe following distance behind the vehicle in front (at least two seconds behind).
Check appropriate mirrors.
Perform the tasks at least two times.