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. In a staggered group formation, where does the second rider travel relative to the leader?

   Correct answer: One second back on the right side of the lane

   The leader keeps to the left part of the lane, while the next rider follows about a second back on the right part of the lane.

   Source: NC Motorcyclists' Handbook — Group Riding

2. 2. How should you treat a driver merging onto the highway from an entrance ramp?

   Correct answer: Give room by changing lanes or adjusting speed

   The merging driver may not see you, so give them plenty of room by changing lanes if one is open, or adjusting your speed to open a gap.

   Source: NC Motorcyclists' Handbook — Keeping Your Distance

3. 3. Rounded (convex) mirrors differ from flat mirrors in that they:

   Correct answer: Give a wider view but make cars seem farther away

   Convex mirrors give a wider view of the road behind but make vehicles look farther away than they really are, so allow extra distance.

   Source: NC Motorcyclists' Handbook — Increasing Conspicuity

4. 4. Why should riders in a group never ride directly alongside one another?

   Correct answer: It leaves no room to swerve away from danger

   Pairing up leaves no room to escape if you must avoid a car or something in the road; wait until you are stopped to talk.

   Source: NC Motorcyclists' Handbook — Group Riding

5. 5. In which situation is a quick beep of the horn a smart move?

   Correct answer: Before passing someone who may move into your lane

   A quick beep is wise before passing anyone who might move into your lane, such as a driver crowding the car ahead of them.

   Source: NC Motorcyclists' Handbook — Increasing Conspicuity

6. 6. When a vehicle is passing you, where should you position yourself in your lane?

   Correct answer: Hold the middle portion of your lane

   Hold the middle of your lane while another vehicle goes by; drifting toward it would put you in a hazardous spot.

   Source: NC Motorcyclists' Handbook — Keeping Your Distance

7. 7. What is usually the best way to deal with a tailgater following too closely?

   Correct answer: Move over and let them pass

   Getting the tailgater in front of you is best, so change lanes and let them pass when you can.

   Source: NC Motorcyclists' Handbook — Keeping Your Distance

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

   Correct answer: Hold a center-portion position

   Keep a center-portion position whenever a driver might be tempted to share your lane, so there is no room to slip in.

   Source: NC Motorcyclists' Handbook — Keeping Your Distance

9. 9. Why should you avoid riding right next to a car or truck in another lane?

   Correct answer: You may be in its blind spot and lose an escape route

   You may be sitting in that vehicle's blind spot and it could change into your lane; it also blocks your escape route if danger appears ahead.

   Source: NC Motorcyclists' Handbook — Keeping Your Distance

10. 10. As you prepare to pass another vehicle, where should you ride and why?

    Correct answer: In the left portion to see farther and be seen

    Ride in the left portion of your lane at a safe following distance to widen your line of sight and make yourself more visible before you pass.

    Source: NC Motorcyclists' Handbook — Keeping Your Distance

11. 11. When is it best for a group to switch to single-file formation?

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

    Move into single file for curves, turns, and when entering or leaving a highway, where a staggered formation is harder to manage.

    Source: NC Motorcyclists' Handbook — Group Riding

12. 12. In a group ride, where should inexperienced riders be placed?

    Correct answer: Just behind the leader

    Put beginners just behind the leader so the more experienced riders farther back can keep an eye on them.

    Source: NC Motorcyclists' Handbook — Group Riding