Right-of-Way

Study questions with answers

12 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. As you approach an intersection where a car may cross your path, covering both brakes helps you to:

   Correct answer: Shorten the time you need to react

   Covering the brakes reduces the time you need to react if the other driver moves into your path.

   Source: SC Motorcycle and Moped Operator Manual - Intersections

2. 2. When a car is waiting to enter the intersection ahead of you, the safest response is to:

   Correct answer: Reduce speed and be ready to react

   The best choice is to reduce speed and be ready to react, rather than relying on eye contact or holding your speed.

   Source: SC Motorcycle and Moped Operator Manual - Sample Knowledge Test Questions

3. 3. Where does a motorcyclist face the greatest chance of conflict with other traffic?

   Correct answer: At intersections

   The manual identifies intersections as the place with the greatest potential for crashes between you and other traffic.

   Source: SC Motorcycle and Moped Operator Manual - Intersections

4. 4. If a lane is open when a vehicle is merging into your path, the best move is usually to:

   Correct answer: Change lanes to create space

   When a lane is available, change lanes to create space for the merging driver.

   Source: SC Motorcycle and Moped Operator Manual - Merging Vehicles

5. 5. Roughly what portion of car-motorcycle collisions involve a driver turning left across a rider's path?

   Correct answer: About 40 percent

   About 40 percent of car-motorcycle crashes are caused by drivers turning left in front of motorcyclists.

   Source: SC Motorcycle and Moped Operator Manual - Intersections

6. 6. Which driver action causes the largest share of car-motorcycle crashes at intersections?

   Correct answer: Turning left across the rider's path

   Cars that turn left across a rider's path are the biggest danger at intersections.

   Source: SC Motorcycle and Moped Operator Manual - Intersections

7. 7. Why should a rider avoid sudden, radical movements when approaching an intersection?

   Correct answer: Drivers might think you are about to turn

   Abrupt movements can make drivers think you are about to turn, which may lead them to misjudge your path.

   Source: SC Motorcycle and Moped Operator Manual - Intersections

8. 8. When another vehicle is merging onto the road from an entrance ramp, a rider should:

   Correct answer: Give the merging driver plenty of room

   Do not assume the merging driver sees you; minimize danger by giving them plenty of room.

   Source: SC Motorcycle and Moped Operator Manual - Merging Vehicles

9. 9. The manual stresses that being noticed by other drivers is ultimately whose responsibility?

   Correct answer: The rider's own

   Being seen is the rider's own responsibility, which is why conspicuity matters so much.

   Source: SC Motorcycle and Moped Operator Manual - Increasing Conspicuity

10. 10. Covering the clutch lever while nearing a risky intersection is done mainly to:

    Correct answer: Keep the engine from stalling

    Covering the clutch helps prevent the engine from stalling as you prepare to react.

    Source: SC Motorcycle and Moped Operator Manual - Intersections

11. 11. As you enter an intersection where a vehicle sits ready to cross, you should:

    Correct answer: Move away from that vehicle

    As you move through, ease away from the waiting vehicle to keep a cushion of space.

    Source: SC Motorcycle and Moped Operator Manual - Intersections

12. 12. When there is no room to change lanes as a driver merges beside you, you should:

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

    If you cannot change lanes, adjust your speed to open up space for the merging driver.

    Source: SC Motorcycle and Moped Operator Manual - Merging Vehicles