When is it safe to move back into your driving lane after passing?

Moving back into your driving lane after passing requires specific visual confirmation to ensure safety. The correct answer emphasizes that you should wait until you can see the vehicle's headlights in your rearview mirror. This means that the vehicle you have passed is a safe distance behind you, reducing the risk of a collision when merging back.

The headlights indicate that the vehicle has enough space and time to react to your movement back into the lane. It also suggests that you have successfully completed the pass as the car is now far enough away that you can safely return to your lane without cutting it off. This practice helps maintain safe driving distances and keeps the flow of traffic smooth.

In contrast, honking your horn does not ensure it is safe to return. Counting to three is arbitrary and does not account for the speed of the vehicles involved, possibly leading to unsafe situations. Seeing only part of the vehicle's shape may mislead you about its distance, as it can still be too close to allow for a safe merge. Therefore, using your rearview mirror to verify the preceding vehicle's headlights is the most reliable method for ensuring a safe return to your lane after passing.