Right-of-Way

Study questions with answers

6 sample Right-of-Way questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.

1. 1. If a car could possibly enter your path, what assumption should you make?

   Correct answer: Assume it will enter your path, and be ready

   Assume that if a car can enter your path, it will, and be ready to act; good riders look for trouble in order to stay out of it.

   Source: Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual — Intersections

2. 2. At a blind intersection with a stop sign, what is the correct approach after your first stop?

   Correct answer: Edge forward and stop again to look around obstructions before proceeding

   Stop at the sign or line, then creep ahead and halt a second time just before the cross traffic, leaning out to peer around anything blocking your view while your front wheel stays clear of the crossing lane.

   Source: Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual — Intersections

3. 3. Which vehicles are the biggest danger to a rider at an intersection?

   Correct answer: Vehicles turning left across your path

   Vehicles turning left in front of you, including those turning from the lane to your right or pulling out from side streets, are the biggest intersection dangers.

   Source: Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual — Intersections

4. 4. A vehicle is waiting on an entrance ramp to merge onto the highway. What should you do?

   Correct answer: Give them room, change lanes if you can, or adjust speed to make space

   Give a merging driver plenty of space; move over to an open lane if you can, or ease your speed to make room.

   Source: Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual — Merging Vehicles

5. 5. How much should you rely on eye contact with a driver as a sign they will yield?

   Correct answer: Not at all; eye contact does not mean they will yield

   Never count on eye contact as proof a driver will yield; drivers often look right at motorcyclists and still fail to see them.

   Source: Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual — Intersections

6. 6. Where does the greatest potential for conflict with other traffic occur?

   Correct answer: At intersections

   More than half of motorcycle-car collisions happen because a driver moves into the rider's right of way, so use SIPDE at every crossing.

   Source: Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual — Intersections