Vermont Motorcycle: Lane Position & Sharing the Road Practice Test

Question 1

On a two-lane highway, after the lead rider of a staggered group passes a slower vehicle, where should the leader ride?

Accepted Answer

Back in the left position, continuing at passing speed — After passing, the leader goes back to the left position and holds passing speed so the next rider has space. Moving right could tempt the second rider to cut in without enough cushion.

Answer

In the right side of the lane, to make room

Answer

On the shoulder until the group catches up

Answer

Directly in front of the passed vehicle, slowing down

Question 2

When passing another vehicle on a motorcycle, how should you handle its blind spot?

Accepted Answer

Move through it as fast as you safely can — After you move into the left lane and accelerate, spend as little time as possible in the other vehicle's blind spot, then signal and check before moving back.

Answer

Match the vehicle's speed while in its blind spot

Answer

Sound your horn and wait for the driver to wave you on

Answer

Drop back and pass on the right instead

Question 3

A driver is tailgating you and you cannot change lanes to let them by. What does the manual suggest?

Accepted Answer

Slow down and leave extra space ahead of you — If you can't move over, slow down and open extra space ahead so both you and the tailgater have room to stop. This also encourages them to pass. Speeding up only moves the tailgating to a higher speed.

Answer

Brake sharply to warn them

Answer

Speed up to get away from them

Answer

Move onto the shoulder and stop

Question 4

On a freeway, why does the manual suggest the lead rider shift the group over by at least one lane?

Accepted Answer

To keep vehicles entering and exiting from breaking up the formation — Moving over at least one lane keeps merging and exiting traffic from disrupting the group's staggered formation.

Answer

Because motorcycles are banned from the right lane

Answer

So the group can ride side by side

Answer

To stay out of the wind blast from trucks

Question 5

You are following a large van you cannot see through. What following distance does the manual recommend?

Accepted Answer

Three seconds or more — When you can't see through the vehicle ahead, or the pavement is slippery, or heavy traffic may lead someone to squeeze in, open up three seconds or more.

Answer

One second

Answer

The normal two seconds is enough

Answer

One motorcycle length per 10 mph

Question 6

How should a riding group enter a freeway or interstate?

Accepted Answer

In single file, forming up only after everyone has merged — Enter in single file and form up into staggered formation only after all riders have safely merged into traffic.

Answer

In staggered formation, side by side on the ramp

Answer

All at once, as a tight pack

Answer

One rider at a time, several minutes apart

Question 7

In a group ride, what is the job of the sweep rider?

Accepted Answer

To ride last and set the group's pace — The sweep rides at the back of the group and sets its pace; the lead and sweep positions should go to the group's most experienced riders.

Answer

To ride in front and pick the route

Answer

To ride beside new riders

Answer

To stop traffic at intersections

Question 8

Vehicles and other potential problems are only on your left. Which lane positions does the manual suggest?

Accepted Answer

Path 2 or 3 — With hazards on the left only, ride in path 2 or 3. With hazards on the right only, stay in path 1 or 2.

Answer

Path 1 only

Answer

Path 1 or 2

Answer

Straddle paths 1 and 2

Question 9

Under Vermont regulations, may two motorcycles be operated side by side in the same traffic lane?

Accepted Answer

No, two motorcycles may not ride beside each other in one lane — Vermont grants a motorcycle full use of a lane, but it prohibits operating two motorcycles or motor-driven cycles next to each other in a single lane.

Answer

Yes, whenever traffic is light

Answer

Yes, but only in a group ride

Answer

Only if both riders hold full endorsements

Question 10

The manual tells riders to steer clear of big buildups of oil and grease. Where are these usually found?

Accepted Answer

At busy intersections and toll booths — Heavy oil and grease deposits tend to collect at busy intersections and toll booths, so pick a lane position that keeps your tires off them.

Answer

On the shoulders of rural roads

Answer

In the left lane of interstates

Answer

On freshly paved roads

Question 11

Which of these is NOT listed in the manual as a time when drivers are most tempted to squeeze into your lane beside you?

Accepted Answer

When you ride at a steady speed on an empty road — The manual lists heavy stop-and-go traffic, drivers wanting to pass you, your preparing to turn at an intersection, and your moving into an exit lane. Cruising steadily on an empty road is not listed.

Answer

In heavy, bumper-to-bumper traffic

Answer

When you are getting ready to turn at an intersection

Answer

When you are moving into an exit lane

Question 12

As a car passes you, why should you avoid moving to the part of your lane farthest from it?

Accepted Answer

It may tempt the passing driver to cut back in too soon — Shifting to the far side may encourage the passing driver to merge back into your lane before there is room. Stay in the center portion instead.

Answer

It puts you in the oil strip

Answer

It is illegal in Vermont

Answer

It makes your headlight harder to see

Vermont Motorcycle: Lane Position & Sharing the Road practice test

Study questions with answers

1. On a two-lane highway, after the lead rider of a staggered group passes a slower vehicle, where should the leader ride?

2. When passing another vehicle on a motorcycle, how should you handle its blind spot?

3. A driver is tailgating you and you cannot change lanes to let them by. What does the manual suggest?

4. On a freeway, why does the manual suggest the lead rider shift the group over by at least one lane?

5. You are following a large van you cannot see through. What following distance does the manual recommend?

6. How should a riding group enter a freeway or interstate?

7. In a group ride, what is the job of the sweep rider?

8. Vehicles and other potential problems are only on your left. Which lane positions does the manual suggest?

9. Under Vermont regulations, may two motorcycles be operated side by side in the same traffic lane?

10. The manual tells riders to steer clear of big buildups of oil and grease. Where are these usually found?

11. Which of these is NOT listed in the manual as a time when drivers are most tempted to squeeze into your lane beside you?

12. As a car passes you, why should you avoid moving to the part of your lane farthest from it?

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