Ch. 5 · Driving Method

Even when changing lanes would force a vehicle coming from behind to brake or steer suddenly to avoid you, you may change lanes as long as you signal in advance.

[True / False · Medium]

Answer: ✕ False

Explanation

The Rules of the Road state that you must not change lanes if a vehicle coming from behind would have to use sudden braking or sudden steering to avoid you. Signaling does not change this, so the statement is incorrect. When you unavoidably have to change lanes, confirm safety with your mirrors and by looking directly before you change.

Driving school curriculumStage 1 – Topic 10: Lane changes and similar maneuvers

Hikari
Hikari
As long as I signal first, the car behind will make room for me, right?
Misaki
Misaki
The statement is false. If your lane change would force the car behind to brake or swerve suddenly, you must not change — and signaling first doesn't make it okay.
Hikari
Hikari
So the signal isn't a free pass?
Misaki
Misaki
Exactly. A signal announces your move, but it doesn't make it safe – check your mirrors and look before you change.

Source: Ch. 5 Driving Method · Section (第5節 進路変更など) · Rules of the Road, Ch.5 §5 (Changing course) / 2 Changing course (1)

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Source content excerpted from the NPA “Rules of the Road” instructional manual, in the public domain under Japanese Copyright Act Article 13(2). Explanations are AI-assisted and copyrighted by the MenkyoQuest editorial team.