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. An ice cream truck ahead has its flashing lights on with its stop arm extended. What must you do?

   Correct answer: Stop at least 10 feet away, then creep past at up to 5 mph

   You must stop at least 10 feet from the front or back of the truck, then proceed past at no more than 5 mph, yielding to any pedestrian crossing to or from it.

   Source: CT Driver's Manual — Sharing the Road (Ice Cream Trucks)

2. 2. A motorcycle is passing your vehicle. What is the correct thing to do?

   Correct answer: Hold your speed and lane and let them pass

   Keep your lane position and speed steady and let the rider complete the pass. Never speed up or interfere with their ability to pass safely.

   Source: CT Driver's Manual — Sharing the Road (Motorcycles)

3. 3. Regarding lane use, what right does a motorcycle rider have?

   Correct answer: The right to use a complete lane

   A motorcyclist is entitled to use a full traffic lane, and two motorcycles may share one lane. You should never try to pass a motorcycle within the same lane.

   Source: CT Driver's Manual — Sharing the Road (Motorcycles)

4. 4. You see a motorcycle ahead with its turn signal flashing. Why should you not assume it will turn?

   Correct answer: The signal may not self-cancel and could be left on

   Motorcycle turn signals often do not cancel automatically, so the rider may have simply left it on. Wait until the motorcycle actually begins turning.

   Source: CT Driver's Manual — Sharing the Road (Motorcycles)

5. 5. A truck driver is trying to back into a loading area across the street. What is the safest response?

   Correct answer: Stop and let the truck back up safely

   Stop and give the driver room to back safely. Never try to drive around a backing truck, since you can slip out of the driver's field of view.

   Source: CT Driver's Manual — Sharing the Road with Trucks (Backing Up)

6. 6. What minimum distance must you give a bicyclist when passing?

   Correct answer: At least three feet

   When passing a bicycle you must leave at least three feet between your vehicle and the bike, and pass only when you can do so safely.

   Source: CT Driver's Manual — Sharing the Road (Bicyclists)

7. 7. You are approaching a horse being ridden along the road. What does the law require?

   Correct answer: Slow down and avoid using your horn

   You must reduce your speed, or stop if needed, to avoid striking or frightening the horse, and it is illegal to sound your horn or make loud noises near it.

   Source: CT Driver's Manual — Sharing the Road (Horses)

8. 8. What are the 'No-Zones' around large trucks and buses?

   Correct answer: Blind-spot danger areas around the truck

   No-Zones are the danger areas to the front, rear, and sides of large vehicles where your car sits in the driver's blind spot and crashes are more likely.

   Source: CT Driver's Manual — Sharing the Road with Trucks (No-Zone)

9. 9. When following a motorcycle, what following distance does the manual recommend?

   Correct answer: 3 to 4 seconds

   Allow a 3-to-4-second following distance behind a motorcycle, or more in wet conditions, because motorcycles can stop quickly.

   Source: CT Driver's Manual — Sharing the Road (Motorcycles)

10. 10. Why is passing a truck on the right as it nears an intersection dangerous?

    Correct answer: The truck may turn right and pin you against the curb

    Trucks often swing left before turning right (off-tracking). If you slip up on the right, you could be trapped between the truck and the curb when it turns.

    Source: CT Driver's Manual — Sharing the Road with Trucks (Wide Right Turns)

11. 11. A cyclist is riding in or near the center of a narrow lane. Why might this be legitimate?

    Correct answer: The lane is too narrow to share safely

    When a lane is too narrow for a car and bike to travel side by side, the cyclist may 'take the lane,' riding near the center. There may also be hazards you cannot see.

    Source: CT Driver's Manual — Sharing the Road (Bicyclists)

12. 12. At what age are bicyclists in Connecticut required to wear a helmet?

    Correct answer: Under 16 years old

    Riders under 16 years old are required to wear a helmet; those 16 and older are encouraged to wear one as a safety measure.

    Source: CT Driver's Manual — Sharing the Road (Bicyclists)