Lane Position & Sharing the Road

Study questions with answers

12 sample Lane Position & 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. Many riders treat which part of the lane as a default position?

   Correct answer: The left third, in the left tire track

   Many riders use the left third of the lane as a default, while varying position as conditions require.

   Source: CT Motorcycle Operator Manual - Keeping Your Distance: Lane Positions

2. 2. To be most visible to the driver ahead, you should generally ride:

   Correct answer: In the center portion, visible in the inside mirror

   Riding in the center portion places you in the driver's inside rearview mirror, where they look most often.

   Source: CT Motorcycle Operator Manual - Keeping Your Distance: Following Another Vehicle

3. 3. What minimum following distance does the manual recommend behind a vehicle?

   Correct answer: Two seconds

   A minimum two-second gap gives room to stop or swerve if the vehicle ahead stops suddenly.

   Source: CT Motorcycle Operator Manual - Keeping Your Distance: Following Another Vehicle

4. 4. Riding between rows of stopped or slow cars in the same lane is:

   Correct answer: Generally unsafe and usually prohibited

   Lane sharing is usually prohibited because a hand, a door, or a turning car can catch you off guard.

   Source: CT Motorcycle Operator Manual - Keeping Your Distance: Lane Sharing

5. 5. To discourage drivers from squeezing into your lane, you should:

   Correct answer: Keep a center-portion position

   Holding the center portion of the lane discourages drivers from trying to share it, especially in heavy traffic or near turns.

   Source: CT Motorcycle Operator Manual - Keeping Your Distance: Lane Sharing

6. 6. The center strip of a lane can be a poor choice mainly because:

   Correct answer: Oil and debris tend to collect there

   Oil drippings and debris gather in the center third, though unless it is wet the strip usually still gives adequate traction.

   Source: CT Motorcycle Operator Manual - Keeping Your Distance: Lane Positions

7. 7. Riding directly beside a car or truck in the next lane is risky because:

   Correct answer: You may be in a blind spot with no escape path

   A vehicle alongside might drift into you and also blocks your escape if a hazard appears, so speed up or drop back.

   Source: CT Motorcycle Operator Manual - Keeping Your Distance: Vehicles Alongside

8. 8. On a three-wheel motorcycle or one with a sidecar, you should:

   Correct answer: Keep toward the center of the lane

   Because the dual wheels are nearly as wide as a car, staying centered keeps the tires from crossing lane lines or leaving the pavement.

   Source: CT Motorcycle Operator Manual - Three-Wheel Supplement: Lane Position

9. 9. When a vehicle is merging onto the highway from an on-ramp, you should:

   Correct answer: Make room by changing lanes or adjusting speed

   Drivers entering from a ramp may not see you, so give them room by switching lanes or opening space.

   Source: CT Motorcycle Operator Manual - Keeping Your Distance: Merging Vehicles

10. 10. A good way to deal with someone tailgating you is to:

    Correct answer: Let them get in front of you by allowing them to pass

    Change lanes or slow to let a tailgater move ahead of you rather than speeding up.

    Source: CT Motorcycle Operator Manual - Keeping Your Distance: Being Followed

11. 11. How many paths of travel does a single traffic lane give a motorcyclist?

    Correct answer: Three

    The manual describes three paths of travel within each lane for a motorcycle.

    Source: CT Motorcycle Operator Manual - Keeping Your Distance: Lane Positions

12. 12. When another vehicle is passing you, you should ride:

    Correct answer: In the center portion of your lane

    Staying in the center of your lane keeps a cushion from a passing vehicle's mirrors, wind blast, or a possible sideswipe.

    Source: CT Motorcycle Operator Manual - Keeping Your Distance: Being Passed