Right-of-Way

Study questions with answers

8 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. When a vehicle is waiting to enter the intersection ahead of you, the manual advises you to do what?

   Correct answer: Reduce speed and be ready to react

   When a car is waiting to enter your path, reduce speed and be ready to react rather than assuming it will yield.

   Source: Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual, Section Twelve — Sample questions (Intersections)

2. 2. When a merging driver has no room to enter and you cannot change lanes, what should you do?

   Correct answer: Adjust your speed to open space for the merging driver

   If you can't move over, adjust your speed to open space for the merging vehicle.

   Source: Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual, Section Six — Merging vehicles

3. 3. To improve your chance of triggering a traffic-activated signal, where should you stop?

   Correct answer: Directly over the sensors, which are usually visible in the road surface

   Stop directly over the sensors, which are usually visible in the road surface, to give the best chance of being detected.

   Source: Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual, Section Six — Traffic-activated sensor lights

4. 4. Why does the manual tell riders to avoid radical movements near an intersection?

   Correct answer: Drivers might misread them as a turn

   Sudden movements can make drivers think you are about to turn, so keep your actions predictable.

   Source: Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual, Section Six — Intersections

5. 5. A traffic-activated sensor light can be a problem for a motorcyclist because it might do what?

   Correct answer: Fail to detect the motorcycle's presence

   The sensor may not detect a motorcycle's presence, so stop where the sensors are located in the pavement.

   Source: Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual, Section Six — Traffic-activated sensor lights

6. 6. At an intersection, which driver movement poses the biggest danger to a motorcyclist?

   Correct answer: A car turning left across the rider's path

   An oncoming car turning left across the rider's path is the biggest intersection danger.

   Source: Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual, Section Six — Intersections

7. 7. The manual advises keeping an escape route ready in case a driver does what?

   Correct answer: Violates your right-of-way

   Always have an escape path ready in case a driver fails to see you and violates your right-of-way.

   Source: Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual, Appendix — General guidelines / escape routes

8. 8. As you ride through an intersection where a car could cross, you should position the bike to do what?

   Correct answer: Increase your visibility to that driver

   Choose a lane position that increases your visibility to the driver who might cross your path.

   Source: Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual, Section Six — Intersections