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. If you cannot change lanes to let a tailgater pass, what should you do?

   Correct answer: Slow down and open extra space ahead of you

   When you cannot switch lanes, ease off and leave a bigger gap in front so there is stopping room for you and whoever is riding your bumper, which nudges them to go around.

   Source: Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual — Being Followed

2. 2. Why should group riders never ride directly alongside one another?

   Correct answer: It leaves no room to escape a hazard

   Riding directly beside another rider leaves you no place to go if you must avoid a car or something in the road; wait until you are stopped to talk.

   Source: Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual — Group Riding

3. 3. What equipment does a motorcycle need to carry a passenger safely?

   Correct answer: A seat big enough for two and passenger footrests

   To carry a passenger safely the bike needs a seat large enough for both of you and footrests for the passenger, and the passenger needs protective gear like the operator's.

   Source: Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual — Equipment

4. 4. How does carrying a passenger change the way a motorcycle rides?

   Correct answer: It responds more slowly, so ride slower and brake earlier

   With a passenger the bike responds more slowly, so ride slower on curves and bumps, start slowing earlier for stops, and allow a larger space cushion and bigger gaps in traffic.

   Source: Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual — Riding with Passengers

5. 5. After you move alongside a vehicle you are passing, what should you do about its blind spot?

   Correct answer: Move past the driver's blind area as fast as you safely can

   Ride through the other vehicle's blind spot as quickly as possible so you do not linger where the driver cannot see you.

   Source: Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual — Passing and Being Passed

6. 6. If a riding group has more than four or five riders, what should the group do?

   Correct answer: Divide into two or more smaller groups

   A group larger than four or five should split into two or more smaller groups, which are easier for other drivers to get around and less likely to be separated by traffic.

   Source: Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual — Group Riding

7. 7. When is it best for a group to move into a single-file formation?

   Correct answer: When curving, turning, or entering or leaving a highway

   It is best to ride single file when taking curves, turning, or entering or leaving a highway.

   Source: Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual — Group Riding

8. 8. Where should you ride as you begin to pass another vehicle?

   Correct answer: Toward the left of your lane, keeping a safe gap behind the vehicle

   Ride in the left portion of your lane at a safe following distance to improve your line of sight and visibility, then signal and check for traffic before moving over.

   Source: Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual — Passing and Being Passed

9. 9. When are drivers most tempted to squeeze into your lane beside you?

   Correct answer: In bumper-to-bumper traffic, when passing, or as you prepare to turn or exit

   Drivers are most tempted to squeeze by in stop-and-go traffic, when they want to pass, when you are preparing to turn, or when you are getting into an exit lane.

   Source: Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual — Lane Sharing

10. 10. When another vehicle is passing you, where in your lane should you ride?

    Correct answer: Stay in the center of your lane

    Hold the middle of your lane as they go by; drifting nearer to the passing car would leave you in a risky spot.

    Source: Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual — Passing and Being Passed

11. 11. Where should inexperienced riders be placed in a group?

    Correct answer: Just behind the leader

    Place newer riders right after the leader so the more seasoned riders trailing them can keep watch.

    Source: Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual — Group Riding

12. 12. Why should you avoid riding directly alongside vehicles in other lanes?

    Correct answer: You could be in their blind spot and have no escape route

    You may be sitting in another driver's blind spot, and vehicles beside you also block your escape route if a hazard appears in your lane.

    Source: Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual — Vehicles Alongside