Primary King County Driving Topic: U.S. 83 Super-2 Driving
King County’s strongest local driver education topic is the planned Super-2 configuration on U.S. 83.
A Super-2 highway remains primarily a two-lane road but adds periodic passing lanes.
TxDOT has programmed Super-2 improvements through much of King County as part of a larger U.S. 83 corridor improvement program.
This gives new drivers several important skills to learn.
Recognize Passing-Lane Transitions
A passing lane does not continue indefinitely.
Students need to recognize when two lanes are returning to one.
Do not wait until the merge point to decide where to position the vehicle.
Keep Right When Appropriate
The added lane gives faster vehicles a safer opportunity to pass.
A student should drive predictably and follow lane signs and pavement markings.
Do Not Accelerate When Being Passed
If another vehicle is overtaking legally, maintain a steady and predictable speed.
Do not turn a passing maneuver into a speed contest.
Avoid Risky Passing on Two-Lane Sections
The presence of periodic passing lanes reduces the need to take uncertain passing opportunities on ordinary two-lane sections.
A new driver should be conservative.
Expect Construction
Because the projects are programmed for the 2026 through 2029 period, students should expect changing work zones, temporary lane patterns, equipment, and reduced speeds.

