Washington State Department of Licensing Knowledge Test

What should you do if you miss your exit on the freeway?

1. Back up carefully

2. Panic and stop

3. Continue to the next exit

4. Make a U-turn immediately

The correct answer is: Continue to the next exit

When you miss your exit on the freeway, the safest and most effective action is to continue to the next exit. This is advised because attempting to retrace your steps—such as backing up or making a U-turn—is highly dangerous on high-speed roadways. Continuing to the next exit allows you to find a safe place to turn around without risking accidents or impairing traffic flow. Once you reach the next exit, you can exit the freeway, safely reorient yourself, and come back onto the freeway or find an alternate route to your intended destination. Panic and sudden stops can lead to collisions, while making a U-turn could put both you and other drivers in danger, as it is often illegal and unsafe to turn around in traffic situations. Thus, maintaining a calm demeanor and proceeding to the next exit maximizes safety for both yourself and other roadway users.