New Hampshire Motorcycle: Lane Position & Sharing the Road Practice Test

Question 1

When following a car, where should you ride so the driver is most likely to notice you?

Accepted Answer

In the center portion of the lane, so you appear in the middle of the rearview mirror — Drivers check the rearview mirror far more often than side mirrors. The center portion puts you in that mirror and discourages others from sharing your lane.

Answer

At the far edge of the lane, visible only in a side mirror

Answer

Close to the car's rear bumper

Answer

On the shoulder

Question 2

Why does the manual advise against riding alongside cars or trucks in adjacent lanes?

Accepted Answer

You may be in a blind spot, and the vehicle blocks your escape route — A car in the next lane could switch into yours without seeing you, and it also limits your options if danger appears ahead. Adjust your speed to find a spot with open space on both sides.

Answer

It uses more fuel

Answer

It is illegal to ride alongside a truck

Answer

It makes your headlight less visible

Question 3

When preparing to pass another vehicle, which part of your lane should you ride in?

Accepted Answer

The left portion, at a safe following distance — The left portion improves your line of sight and makes you more visible before you signal and check for oncoming traffic.

Answer

The shoulder

Answer

The center, tucked in close behind the vehicle

Answer

The right portion, close behind the vehicle

Question 4

When another vehicle is passing you, where should you ride in your lane?

Accepted Answer

In the center portion — Staying centered protects you from sideswipes, extended mirrors, thrown objects and wind blasts from larger vehicles.

Answer

In the portion farthest from the passing vehicle

Answer

On the shoulder

Answer

As close as possible to the passing vehicle

Question 5

What does the manual say about lane sharing?

Accepted Answer

It is usually prohibited, and riding between rows of cars leaves you exposed — Cars and motorcycles each need a full lane. Riding between vehicles exposes you to opening doors, hands out of windows and sudden turns.

Answer

It is safe as long as the cars are stopped

Answer

It is required on multi-lane highways

Answer

It is encouraged in heavy traffic

Question 6

If vehicles are traveling on both sides of you, which lane position is usually best?

Accepted Answer

The center of the lane (path 2) — When traffic surrounds you on both sides, path 2 in the middle is usually the best option.

Answer

The far right of the lane (path 3)

Answer

The far left of the lane (path 1)

Answer

Straddling the lane line

Question 7

Someone is following you too closely and you cannot change lanes. What does the manual suggest?

Accepted Answer

Ease off and build a bigger gap in front of you — Extra room ahead gives both you and the tailgater space to stop and may encourage them to pass. Speeding up just leaves you with a tailgater at a higher speed.

Answer

Brake sharply to warn them

Answer

Move onto the shoulder and stop

Answer

Speed up to pull away from them

Question 8

In a staggered group formation, where do the leader and second rider ride?

Accepted Answer

Leader in the left side of the lane; second rider at least one second back in the right side — The third rider takes the left side at least two seconds behind the leader, and the pattern continues, keeping ranks close while preserving a space cushion.

Answer

Leader in the center; second rider in the next lane over

Answer

Leader in the right side; second rider directly behind in the right side

Answer

Both side by side in the center of the lane

Question 9

How many paths of travel does a single traffic lane give a motorcycle?

Accepted Answer

Three — Each lane offers a motorcycle three paths: the left, center and right portions.

Answer

One

Answer

Four

Answer

Two

Question 10

Why shouldn't you move to the part of your lane farthest from a vehicle that's passing you?

Accepted Answer

The driver may take it as room to swing back into your lane too soon — Drifting away from the passing vehicle can signal that there's room, encouraging the driver to return to your lane before it's safe.

Answer

It makes you more visible to oncoming traffic

Answer

It improves your view of the road ahead

Answer

Changing position while being passed is always illegal

Question 11

When should you increase your following distance to three seconds or more?

Accepted Answer

When the pavement is slippery, you can't see through the vehicle ahead, or heavy traffic means someone may cut in — These conditions call for a larger space cushion, as does any time your motorcycle will need longer than normal to stop.

Answer

Only when carrying cargo

Answer

Only when riding on the interstate

Answer

Only when the vehicle ahead is another motorcycle

Question 12

Under normal conditions, what minimum following distance should you keep behind the vehicle ahead?

Accepted Answer

Two seconds — The manual calls for at least a two-second following distance normally, measured by counting from when the vehicle ahead passes a fixed marker.

Answer

One second

Answer

Half a second

Answer

Ten seconds

New Hampshire Motorcycle: Lane Position & Sharing the Road practice test

Study questions with answers

1. When following a car, where should you ride so the driver is most likely to notice you?

2. Why does the manual advise against riding alongside cars or trucks in adjacent lanes?

3. When preparing to pass another vehicle, which part of your lane should you ride in?

4. When another vehicle is passing you, where should you ride in your lane?

5. What does the manual say about lane sharing?

6. If vehicles are traveling on both sides of you, which lane position is usually best?

7. Someone is following you too closely and you cannot change lanes. What does the manual suggest?

8. In a staggered group formation, where do the leader and second rider ride?

9. How many paths of travel does a single traffic lane give a motorcycle?

10. Why shouldn't you move to the part of your lane farthest from a vehicle that's passing you?

11. When should you increase your following distance to three seconds or more?

12. Under normal conditions, what minimum following distance should you keep behind the vehicle ahead?

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