Sharing the Road

Study questions with answers

12 sample Sharing the Road questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.

1. 1. When a truck ahead of you has its right turn signal on, you should not pass on the right because:

   Correct answer: The truck may swing wide and trap you against the curb

   Trucks swing wide left to make right turns; passing on the right can trap you in the squeeze play where the driver cannot see you.

   Source: Alabama Driver Manual — Chapter 3, Sharing the Road with Large Vehicles

2. 2. The recommended following distance behind a motorcycle is:

   Correct answer: The same two-second gap you give any vehicle

   You should allow the same two-second following distance behind a motorcycle that you would give any other vehicle.

   Source: Alabama Driver Manual — Chapter 3, Sharing the Road with Motorcycles

3. 3. Because a motorcycle's turn signals usually do not shut off by themselves, before turning in front of one you should:

   Correct answer: Confirm the motorcycle is truly turning and not going straight

   A rider may leave a signal blinking after a turn, so make sure the motorcycle is actually turning before you pull out.

   Source: Alabama Driver Manual — Chapter 3, Sharing the Road with Motorcycles

4. 4. The large blind spot directly behind a truck or bus may extend as far back as:

   Correct answer: About 200 feet

   The rear No-Zone behind a truck or bus can reach up to about 200 feet, so avoid tailgating.

   Source: Alabama Driver Manual — Chapter 3, Sharing the Road with Large Vehicles

5. 5. When passing a person riding a bicycle, Alabama law requires you to leave a gap of at least:

   Correct answer: Three feet

   State law requires a minimum of three feet between your vehicle and a bicyclist when passing.

   Source: Alabama Driver Manual — Chapter 3, Sharing the Road with Bicycles

6. 6. When a motorcycle is traveling ahead of you in a lane, a driver should:

   Correct answer: Treat the motorcycle as entitled to the whole lane

   Motorcycles are entitled to the full width of a lane; never pull alongside one in the same lane.

   Source: Alabama Driver Manual — Chapter 3, Sharing the Road with Motorcycles

7. 7. A large share of car-motorcycle crashes happen when a driver makes a left turn in front of an oncoming motorcycle because the driver:

   Correct answer: Misjudged the motorcycle's speed or did not see it

   Drivers often fail to spot the rider or misjudge the motorcycle's speed, so you should look twice and know its speed before turning left.

   Source: Alabama Driver Manual — Chapter 3, Sharing the Road with Motorcycles

8. 8. Under Alabama law, people riding bicycles on the roadway have:

   Correct answer: The same rights and duties as motor vehicle drivers

   Bicyclists possess the same rights and responsibilities on the road as drivers of motor vehicles.

   Source: Alabama Driver Manual — Chapter 3, Sharing the Road with Bicycles

9. 9. Compared with a passenger car, a fully loaded truck traveling at 55 mph needs to stop:

   Correct answer: Much more room

   At 55 mph a loaded truck needs about 430 feet to stop, far more than the roughly 193 feet a car needs.

   Source: Alabama Driver Manual — Chapter 3, Sharing the Road with Large Vehicles

10. 10. In Alabama, riding a bicycle on the sidewalk is:

    Correct answer: Against the law

    The manual states that it is illegal for people on bicycles to ride on the sidewalk.

    Source: Alabama Driver Manual — Chapter 3, Sharing the Road with Bicycles

11. 11. In Alabama, people riding bicycles are permitted to:

    Correct answer: Ride two side by side

    The manual states that bicyclists may ride two abreast at all times.

    Source: Alabama Driver Manual — Chapter 3, Sharing the Road with Bicycles

12. 12. A securely fastened bicycle helmet is required by law for riders on public roadways who are:

    Correct answer: Under 16 years of age

    People riding bicycles who are under 16 years old must wear a fastened helmet on public roadways and paths.

    Source: Alabama Driver Manual — Chapter 3, Sharing the Road with Bicycles