Here’s Lesson 5 in the same comprehensive format.
This session introduces highway/freeway driving and higher-speed merging, preparing the student for real-world expressway travel.

🚙 Lesson 5: Highway/Freeway Driving & Higher-Speed Merging

Lesson Goal

Equip the student with the skills to safely enter, travel on, and exit high-speed highways/freeways, while maintaining lane discipline, speed control, and defensive awareness.

Duration

90–100 minutes total

• 25 min classroom / discussion

• 65–75 min on-road practice (limited-access highway with moderate traffic)

Learning Objectives

By the end of Lesson 5, the student will be able to:

1. Enter a highway using the acceleration lane and merge smoothly into traffic moving at 55–70 mph.

2. Maintain a safe, steady speed and proper lane position.

3. Adjust following distance for higher speeds (4+ seconds).

4. Identify and respond to potential hazards (slow drivers, sudden braking, merging trucks).

5. Exit a highway using deceleration lanes and prepare for upcoming stops or intersections.

Classroom / Discussion Topics

• Freeway Layout Basics

  • Entrance ramps, acceleration lanes, travel lanes, exit ramps, shoulders, and medians.

  • Understanding overhead signs, mile markers, and lane arrows.

• Merging at Higher Speeds

  • Matching the speed of highway traffic before entering.

  • Checking mirrors, signaling early, and using blind-spot checks.

• Safe Following Distance

  • “Four-Second Rule” at 55 mph or higher.

  • Increasing distance in rain, fog, or at night.

• Lane Discipline

  • Staying right except when passing.

  • Avoiding lingering in blind spots of large trucks.

• Common Hazards

  • Vehicles entering or exiting unexpectedly.

  • Tire blowouts or debris.

  • Speed differentials (slow drivers in the fast lane).

• Exiting the Highway

  • Signaling early, moving into the deceleration lane, and reducing speed smoothly.

Hands-On Activities

1. Ramp Acceleration & Merge

   • Start on a long entrance ramp to practice building speed and selecting a safe gap.

   • Perform several merges in both light and moderate traffic.

2. Lane Holding at Highway Speed

   • Maintain a steady speed (55–65 mph) for several miles.

   • Practice smooth steering and minimal lane drift.

3. Passing & Lane Changes

   • Execute controlled lane changes and overtaking maneuvers while maintaining proper spacing.

4. Exit Ramp & Deceleration

   • Practice moving safely into the deceleration lane, signaling early, and slowing to posted ramp speed.

5. Emergency Situations

   • Simulate response to sudden slow traffic, vehicles stopped on the shoulder, or aggressive drivers.

Key Safety Emphasis

• Eyes Up / Far Ahead: Scan 20–30 seconds down the road to anticipate traffic flow.

• Signal Early: Give other drivers ample notice before lane changes or exits.

• Stay Calm: Do not brake suddenly on the acceleration lane; adjust speed smoothly to merge.

• Large Trucks: Avoid driving alongside for long periods; give extra space when merging.

Homework / Practice Assignment

• If possible, ride as a passenger on a highway trip.

• Observe how experienced drivers merge, maintain speed, and exit.

• Write down three techniques that helped traffic flow remain smooth.

Instructor Notes

• Begin during mid-morning or mid-afternoon (lighter traffic).

• Choose a highway with well-designed entrance/exit ramps for initial practice.

• Coach the student to look over the shoulder during every merge, even if mirrors appear clear.

Would you like me to continue with Lesson 6 (Night Driving & Adverse Weather) next, or create a PDF booklet combining Lessons 1–5 for easy printing?