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. When a parked car has someone sitting in the driver's seat, the manual suggests you should:

   Correct answer: Give a quick beep of the horn to get their attention

   This is one of the situations where a quick beep of the horn is wise, since the driver may pull out or open a door in front of you.

   Source: Louisiana Motorcycle Operator Manual - Increasing Conspicuity (Horn)

2. 2. When following a car, where should a rider position themselves to be seen in the driver's rearview mirror?

   Correct answer: In the center portion of the lane

   Riding in the center portion of the lane places your image in the middle of the driver's rearview mirror, where they are most likely to see you.

   Source: Louisiana Motorcycle Operator Manual - Keeping Your Distance (Following Another Vehicle)

3. 3. When passing parked cars with no oncoming traffic, the manual advises staying:

   Correct answer: Toward the left of your lane

   Stay toward the left of your lane when passing parked cars to avoid opening doors and people stepping out.

   Source: Louisiana Motorcycle Operator Manual - Intersections (Passing Parked Cars)

4. 4. The manual says the best way to deal with a tailgater is usually to:

   Correct answer: Change lanes and let them pass

   Get the tailgater in front of you: change lanes and let them pass, or slow and open space so they are encouraged to pass.

   Source: Louisiana Motorcycle Operator Manual - Keeping Your Distance (Being Followed)

5. 5. Riding between rows of stopped or slow cars in the same lane is dangerous because:

   Correct answer: A door could open or a car could turn into you

   Lane sharing leaves you vulnerable to the unexpected, such as an opening door, an extended hand, or a car turning suddenly.

   Source: Louisiana Motorcycle Operator Manual - Keeping Your Distance (Lane Sharing)

6. 6. To discourage other drivers from squeezing into your lane, the manual says you should keep what position?

   Correct answer: A center-portion position

   Keep a center-portion position whenever drivers might be tempted to share your lane, such as in heavy traffic or near turns.

   Source: Louisiana Motorcycle Operator Manual - Keeping Your Distance (Lane Sharing)

7. 7. When being passed by another vehicle, which lane position does the manual recommend?

   Correct answer: The center portion of the lane

   Stay in the center portion of your lane; riding close to the passing vehicle risks a sideswipe, and moving to the far side may invite the driver to cut back in early.

   Source: Louisiana Motorcycle Operator Manual - Passing and Being Passed (Being Passed)

8. 8. When a driver on an entrance ramp may not see you, the manual suggests giving them room by:

   Correct answer: Changing lanes or adjusting speed to open space

   Change to another lane if one is open, or if not, adjust your speed to open up space for the merging driver.

   Source: Louisiana Motorcycle Operator Manual - Merging Cars

9. 9. The manual says drivers are most tempted to squeeze past a motorcycle in the same lane when:

   Correct answer: Traffic is heavy and bumper-to-bumper

   Drivers are most tempted to share your lane in heavy bumper-to-bumper traffic, when they want to pass, when you are preparing to turn, or when moving to an exit.

   Source: Louisiana Motorcycle Operator Manual - Keeping Your Distance (Lane Sharing)

10. 10. Why does the manual warn against riding directly alongside cars in the next lane?

    Correct answer: You may sit in a blind spot and lose an escape route

    You may be in another car's blind spot, and cars beside you also block your escape route if danger appears in your own lane.

    Source: Louisiana Motorcycle Operator Manual - Cars Alongside

11. 11. The very first step in passing another vehicle, according to the manual, is to:

    Correct answer: Ride in the left of the lane to see and be seen, then signal

    Ride in the left portion of the lane at a safe following distance to widen your line of sight and be more visible, then signal and check traffic.

    Source: Louisiana Motorcycle Operator Manual - Passing and Being Passed (Passing)

12. 12. What minimum following distance does the manual recommend behind the vehicle ahead in normal conditions?

    Correct answer: Two seconds

    A minimum of two seconds should normally be maintained behind the vehicle in front.

    Source: Louisiana Motorcycle Operator Manual - Keeping Your Distance (Following Another Vehicle)