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. Bicyclists are supposed to ride:

   Correct answer: In the same direction as traffic flow

   Cyclists should travel in the same direction as other traffic rather than riding against it, since drivers often do not look for someone coming the wrong way.

   Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook — Go with the Flow

2. 2. When following a motorcycle or moped, you should:

   Correct answer: Leave extra room and never crowd it

   Never crowd a motorcycle or moped. Leave extra room, and allow even more following distance when the road surface is slippery.

   Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook — Motorcycles and Mopeds

3. 3. When passing a motorcycle, you should:

   Correct answer: Change lanes and pass as you would a car

   A motorcycle is entitled to the full width of its lane, so pass it by changing lanes just as you would for a car.

   Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook — Motorcycles and Mopeds

4. 4. Compared with passenger cars, recreational vehicles and trailers usually:

   Correct answer: Speed up and stop more slowly and need extra room

   RVs and trailers are longer, higher, and wider; they speed up and stop more slowly, need more room to turn, and have larger blind spots.

   Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook — Recreational Vehicles and Trailers

5. 5. What is the minimum age to legally operate a moped on a public road in the state?

   Correct answer: 16

   Riding a moped on public roads requires that you be 16 or older and carry a valid driver license or ID card.

   Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook — Mopeds

6. 6. In most North Carolina crashes between a car and a motorcycle, the driver of the car:

   Correct answer: Is usually at fault and often did not see the motorcycle

   About two-thirds of motorcycle crashes involve a car, and in most of those the car's driver is at fault and usually says they never saw the motorcycle.

   Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook — Motorcycles

7. 7. A pedestrian walking along a road that has no sidewalk should walk:

   Correct answer: On the left side, facing oncoming traffic

   A person on foot should keep to the left, facing the traffic coming toward them, and stay as visible as they can.

   Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook — You as a Pedestrian

8. 8. What is the safest way for a driver to pass a bicyclist?

   Correct answer: Change lanes to pass

   Changing lanes is the recommended way to get around a bicyclist, and only when there is ample room and no oncoming traffic.

   Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook — Pass with Care

9. 9. To pass a moped, a driver must stay at least how far to its left?

   Correct answer: Two feet

   When passing a moped, which travels on the right side of the lane, you must keep at least two feet to its left.

   Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook — Motorcycles and Mopeds

10. 10. A piece of farm equipment displaying a left-turn signal may actually be:

    Correct answer: About to make a left turn, not inviting you to pass

    Drivers sometimes mistake a machine's left-turn signal for a wave to pass. It may instead be about to turn left, and passing then can cause a crash.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook — Safe Driving Around Farm Equipment

11. 11. A good rule when sharing the road with a large truck is that if you cannot see the truck driver in their side mirror:

    Correct answer: The driver cannot see you either

    Trucks have large blind spots called no-zones. If the driver's mirror does not show you, the driver cannot see you either, so do not linger there.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook — No-Zones

12. 12. When you come upon slow-moving farm equipment on a rural road, you should:

    Correct answer: Be patient and pass only where it is legal and safe

    Be patient. Passing farm equipment where a no-passing zone applies is both unlawful and hazardous, so wait for a safe, legal chance.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook — Safe Driving Around Farm Equipment