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 approaching a stopped tow truck or highway maintenance vehicle showing amber flashing lights, a driver must do what?

   Correct answer: Change lanes away, or slow to 10 mph under the limit if unable to move over

   Shift into a lane farther from the vehicle; if that is not possible, drop to at least 10 mph below the posted speed and go by carefully.

   Source: Indiana Driver's Manual, Ch. 7 (Authorized Parked Vehicles)

2. 2. When a school bus turns on its amber (yellow) flashing lights, what is it telling other drivers?

   Correct answer: The bus is about to slow and stop to load or unload children

   Amber flashing lights warn that the bus is slowing and is about to stop to load or unload children.

   Source: Indiana Driver's Manual, Ch. 7 (School Buses)

3. 3. When passing a bicyclist, Indiana requires a driver to leave at least how much room?

   Correct answer: Three feet

   You must allow a minimum of three feet of clearance when passing a bicyclist.

   Source: Indiana Driver's Manual, Ch. 7 (Bicycles)

4. 4. A large truck's rear blind spot can extend roughly how far behind the trailer?

   Correct answer: Up to 200 feet

   A tractor-trailer's blind spot to the rear can reach up to about 200 feet behind the vehicle.

   Source: Indiana Driver's Manual, Ch. 7 (Blind Spots)

5. 5. What must you do when you approach a school bus with red lights flashing and its stop arm out?

   Correct answer: Stop and wait until the lights stop flashing

   Stop and remain stopped until the flashing red lights are turned off, as children may be crossing.

   Source: Indiana Driver's Manual, Ch. 7 (School Buses)

6. 6. What is the maximum width a vehicle may be without needing a special permit in Indiana?

   Correct answer: 8 feet 6 inches

   A vehicle may be up to 8 feet 6 inches wide before an oversize permit is required.

   Source: Indiana Driver's Manual, Ch. 7 (Sharing the Road with Tractor-Trailers)

7. 7. What is the safest way to pass a tractor-trailer?

   Correct answer: Pass completely and always on the left side

   Always pass a large truck completely and on the left, without lingering alongside it.

   Source: Indiana Driver's Manual, Ch. 7 (Tips for Sharing the Road with Tractor-Trailers)

8. 8. A tractor-trailer preparing to turn right may first do what, which drivers should watch for?

   Correct answer: Swing wide to the left before completing the right turn

   Truck drivers often swing wide to the left before making a tight right turn, so watch their signals before passing.

   Source: Indiana Driver's Manual, Ch. 7 (Turning)

9. 9. When the road is split by a barrier or median, who has to stop for a halted school bus flashing its red lights?

   Correct answer: Only drivers traveling the same direction as the bus

   On a divided roadway, only drivers traveling the same direction as the bus are required to stop.

   Source: Indiana Driver's Manual, Ch. 7 (School Buses)

10. 10. On an ordinary roadway, bicyclists in Indiana may ride no more than how many abreast?

    Correct answer: Two

    Bicyclists may not ride more than two abreast except on paths set aside for bicycles.

    Source: Indiana Driver's Manual, Ch. 7 (Bicycles)

11. 11. A person driving a horse-drawn vehicle on a public road has which of the following?

    Correct answer: The same rights and duties as a motor vehicle driver

    Someone on horseback or driving a horse-drawn rig carries the same duties and privileges on the road as any motorist.

    Source: Indiana Driver's Manual, Ch. 7 (Slow-Moving Vehicles)

12. 12. Why is it dangerous to cut closely in front of a tractor-trailer?

    Correct answer: It removes the truck's safety cushion of stopping distance

    Cutting into the space ahead of a truck removes the driver's cushion of stopping distance and safety.

    Source: Indiana Driver's Manual, Ch. 7 (Tips for Sharing the Road with Tractor-Trailers)