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. Approaching a blind intersection, where should you position in the lane?

   Correct answer: Where other drivers are most likely to see you

   Move to the part of the lane that puts you in other drivers' field of sight so you are more likely to be seen.

   Source: New Jersey Motorcycle Manual — See, Be Seen, and Be Heard

2. 2. When should a staggered group return to single file?

   Correct answer: On curves, turns, and when entering or leaving a highway

   Resume single file on curves, during turns, and when entering or leaving a highway.

   Source: New Jersey Motorcycle Manual — Learning Group Riding

3. 3. Where should you ride when passing parked cars?

   Correct answer: In the left portion of the lane

   When you pass parked cars, hold the left side of your lane to stay clear of opening doors and people stepping out.

   Source: New Jersey Motorcycle Manual — Keep the Proper Distance

4. 4. How should you enter an intersection on a motorcycle?

   Correct answer: With a space cushion on each side for evasive action

   Enter with a space cushion on either side so you have room for evasive action if needed.

   Source: New Jersey Motorcycle Manual — See, Be Seen, and Be Heard

5. 5. What should a group of more than four or five riders do?

   Correct answer: Divide into two or more smaller groups

   Groups larger than four or five should split into two or more smaller groups to avoid disrupting traffic.

   Source: New Jersey Motorcycle Manual — Learning Group Riding

6. 6. Where do most crashes between cars and motorcycles happen?

   Correct answer: At intersections

   Most car-motorcycle crashes occur at intersections, where drivers often fail to see an approaching motorcycle.

   Source: New Jersey Motorcycle Manual — Use the SIPDE System

7. 7. How can you discourage other drivers from squeezing into your lane?

   Correct answer: Keep a center lane position

   Keeping a center lane position discourages lane sharing; moving to the far side of the lane actually invites it.

   Source: New Jersey Motorcycle Manual — Keep the Proper Distance

8. 8. Why should motorcycles not ride side by side in a group?

   Correct answer: There is no room to escape a hazard

   Riding directly alongside another motorcycle leaves no room to escape or avoid a hazard.

   Source: New Jersey Motorcycle Manual — Learning Group Riding

9. 9. What material best increases a rider's visibility at night?

   Correct answer: Retro-reflective clothing

   Unlike plain reflective fabric, retro-reflective gear shifts brightness with nearby light sources, sharply improving how well you show up at night or in bad weather.

   Source: New Jersey Motorcycle Manual — See, Be Seen, and Be Heard

10. 10. What is New Jersey's guidance on sharing a lane with a car?

    Correct answer: Do not share lanes; each vehicle needs a full lane

    Since a car and a motorcycle each require a full lane to run safely, riders should not split one.

    Source: New Jersey Motorcycle Manual — Keep the Proper Distance

11. 11. If a vehicle pulls into your path from the right, which way should you move?

    Correct answer: To the left, away from it

    Put as much room as you can between you and the vehicle; when it is on your right, steer left.

    Source: New Jersey Motorcycle Manual — Keep the Proper Distance

12. 12. When is it appropriate to use your horn?

    Correct answer: To alert someone who may pull into your path

    Sound the horn to catch the attention of a driver or pedestrian who might move into your path, but never depend on it by itself.

    Source: New Jersey Motorcycle Manual — See, Be Seen, and Be Heard