Licence categories
Category B practical test: how should I merge into traffic?
Check mirrors and blind spots, signal your intention, and enter only when there is enough space.
In the Italian category B practical test, merging into traffic means choosing a gap that lets you enter without forcing others to brake or change direction abruptly. Check mirrors and blind spots, signal your intention and wait until it is safe. An indicator does not give you priority and does not replace observation.
Observe before moving
Before leaving a parking space, side road or driveway, identify who is approaching and from which direction. Check mirrors, turn to inspect the blind spot and look for cyclists or motorcycles that may be harder to see. If your view is blocked, move forward only as far as you can do safely without entering another vehicle’s path; otherwise, wait for a clearer view.
Signal early enough to communicate your intention, but do not treat the signal as a request that others must honour. Another driver may choose to let you in, but do not rely on a reaction that has not happened. Judge vehicle speed and distance, then join with suitable acceleration without making traffic already in the lane brake. If the gap closes, stay put and wait for another one.
Example: traffic is moving quickly and a car slows to leave you a gap. Before moving, also check the adjacent lane and blind spot: a cyclist may be passing the queue. Enter only after you have confirmed the full path is clear.
Stay in control after joining
Once in the lane, position the car correctly, cancel the indicator when the manoeuvre is complete and match your speed and following distance to the flow. Do not accelerate sharply to make up time or stop where you block the entrance. If conditions change during the manoeuvre, interrupt it safely rather than completing it at any cost.
The practical test assesses how you read traffic and make safe decisions, not how quickly you merge. Practise different entrances with your instructor. Quiz Patente Ufficiale helps you review road rules with category B quizzes and mistake review.
To revise priority and traffic rules, Quiz Patente Ufficiale offers quizzes, chapter-based study and error review.
Frequently asked questions
If I signal, must other drivers let me in?
No. The indicator communicates your intention but gives no priority. Merge only when you can do so without creating danger or forcing others to brake.
Are mirrors enough before pulling out?
No. Check blind spots and vulnerable road users too, then check again before moving if the traffic situation has changed.