Massachusetts Permit Practice Test 2026 – Complete Exam Prep

Signaling a lane change before beginning the maneuver is essential for several reasons. It communicates your intention to other drivers on the road, thus enhancing safety by reducing the risk of collisions. By signaling in advance, you allow surrounding vehicles, including those in the lane you intend to enter and those in adjacent lanes, to anticipate your movement and adjust their speed or positioning accordingly if necessary.

In addition, early signaling provides an opportunity for any drivers already in the lane to react—whether that means giving you space to merge or adjusting their speed to facilitate a smoother transition. This practice aligns with the broader principles of defensive driving, emphasizing awareness and consideration for others on the road.

The other choices do not effectively meet the necessary safety standards when changing lanes. For instance, signaling only when no cars are nearby may lead to neglecting surrounding traffic that could be affected by the lane change. Announcing your move after you've entered the new lane does not allow others to react in real-time, potentially increasing the risk of accidents. Lastly, signaling when seeing a motorcycle is not sufficient on its own since you should signal regardless of the presence of other vehicles to promote consistent and safe driving behavior.