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. A passenger on your motorcycle should be told to:

   Correct answer: Hold your waist and keep both feet on the pegs, even when stopped

   Instruct the passenger to hold firmly to your waist, hips, or belt and keep both feet on the pegs even when stopped, leaning with you as you lean.

   Source: PA Motorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147) — Carrying Passengers and Cargo: Instructing Passengers

2. 2. The most secure way to fasten cargo to a motorcycle is with:

   Correct answer: Elastic cords or a cargo net

   Use elastic cords such as bungee cords or nets, ideally with more than one attachment point per side; rope tends to stretch and its knots can come loose.

   Source: PA Motorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147) — Carrying Passengers and Cargo: Carrying Loads

3. 3. When a group in staggered formation passes another vehicle, riders should pass:

   Correct answer: One at a time

   Riders in staggered formation pass one at a time; the leader passes first, returns to the left position, and opens room before the next rider goes.

   Source: PA Motorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147) — Group Riding: Keep Your Distance

4. 4. A staggered group should switch to single file when:

   Correct answer: Riding through curves or entering and leaving a highway

   Move into single file for curves, turns, and when entering or leaving a highway, where a tighter formation is safer.

   Source: PA Motorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147) — Group Riding: Keep Your Distance

5. 5. When you pass another vehicle, your pass must be completed:

   Correct answer: Within the posted speed limit and only where allowed

   Complete any pass within the posted speed limit and only where passing is allowed, so know the signs and pavement markings before you move over.

   Source: PA Motorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147) — Keeping Your Distance: Passing and Being Passed

6. 6. Carrying a passenger or a large load is recommended only for riders who are:

   Correct answer: Experienced

   Only experienced riders should carry passengers or big loads, because the extra weight changes how the motorcycle handles, balances, turns, and stops.

   Source: PA Motorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147) — Carrying Passengers and Cargo

7. 7. With a passenger aboard, your motorcycle will respond more slowly, so you should:

   Correct answer: Start slowing earlier and keep a larger cushion of space

   Because the extra weight lengthens the time to slow, speed up, and turn, ride a little slower, begin slowing earlier, and leave a larger space cushion.

   Source: PA Motorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147) — Carrying Passengers and Cargo: Riding With Passengers

8. 8. In keeping a group together, who should generally set the pace?

   Correct answer: The last rider, so no one is left behind

   Let the last rider set the pace; use your mirrors to watch the rider behind, and if someone falls back, everyone should slow a little to stay with the tail-ender.

   Source: PA Motorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147) — Group Riding: Keep the Group Together

9. 9. Within a group, why should riders never travel directly alongside one another?

   Correct answer: There is no place to move if you must avoid a hazard

   Riding side by side leaves no room to escape a car or road hazard; if you want to talk, wait until you are both stopped.

   Source: PA Motorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147) — Group Riding: Keep Your Distance

10. 10. As you begin to pass another vehicle, where should you position yourself first?

    Correct answer: In the left portion of your lane at a safe distance

    Ride in the left portion of your lane at a safe following distance before you pass; this widens your view ahead and makes you easier for the other driver to see.

    Source: PA Motorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147) — Keeping Your Distance: Passing and Being Passed

11. 11. Which group formation best keeps riders close together while preserving a space cushion?

    Correct answer: A staggered formation

    A staggered formation keeps the group compact yet leaves each rider an adequate cushion of space ahead, behind, and to the sides.

    Source: PA Motorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147) — Group Riding: Keep Your Distance

12. 12. When another vehicle is passing you, which part of the lane should you hold?

    Correct answer: The center portion of the lane

    Stay in the middle portion of your lane while being passed; drifting toward the other vehicle risks a sideswipe, and drifting away can invite the driver to cut back in too soon.

    Source: PA Motorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147) — Keeping Your Distance: Passing and Being Passed