Lane Position & Sharing the Road

Study questions with answers

12 sample Lane Position & 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. Keeping well back from the vehicle ahead even while stopped makes it easier to:

   Correct answer: Get clear if a vehicle rushes up close behind you

   A gap when stopped gives you an escape route if a vehicle rushes up behind you or the one ahead backs up.

   Source: Ohio Motorcycle Operator Manual, Following Another Vehicle

2. 2. In a group, the recommended way to keep ranks close while keeping a space cushion is:

   Correct answer: A staggered formation

   A staggered formation keeps a group compact yet preserves each rider's cushion of space.

   Source: Ohio Motorcycle Operator Manual, Group Riding: Staggered Formation

3. 3. When another vehicle is passing you, you should:

   Correct answer: Keep to the middle portion of your lane

   Holding the center portion while being passed keeps a buffer from the passing vehicle on both sides.

   Source: Ohio Motorcycle Operator Manual, Passing and Being Passed

4. 4. When you follow a car while positioned in the middle of the lane, your image tends to land:

   Correct answer: In the middle of the driver's rearview mirror

   Sitting in the center of the lane places your reflection squarely in the driver's rearview mirror, the spot most drivers watch.

   Source: Ohio Motorcycle Operator Manual, Following Another Vehicle

5. 5. A good way to deal with a tailgater is to:

   Correct answer: Change lanes and let them pass

   Letting a tailgater move ahead of you, by changing lanes or opening space, is the safer response.

   Source: Ohio Motorcycle Operator Manual, Being Followed

6. 6. The center third of a lane can be a poor choice because it often collects:

   Correct answer: Oil drippings and debris

   Oil and grease from cars, plus items like manhole covers, tend to gather in the center of the lane.

   Source: Ohio Motorcycle Operator Manual, Lane Positions

7. 7. The first step in passing another vehicle is to:

   Correct answer: Position in the left part of your lane, signal, and look for oncoming traffic

   A pass begins by moving into the left portion, signaling, and checking ahead and behind for traffic.

   Source: Ohio Motorcycle Operator Manual, Passing and Being Passed

8. 8. To discourage other drivers from squeezing into your lane, you should:

   Correct answer: Hold a center-lane position when a driver might try to squeeze past

   Staying in the center portion discourages others from trying to share your lane.

   Source: Ohio Motorcycle Operator Manual, Lane Sharing

9. 9. Where should inexperienced riders be placed in a group?

   Correct answer: Just behind the leader

   Newer riders ride just behind the leader so they keep pace and can be watched from behind.

   Source: Ohio Motorcycle Operator Manual, Group Riding: Plan

10. 10. If potential problems are only on your left, a good lane choice is:

    Correct answer: Path 2 or 3

    With hazards on the left only, riding in path 2 or 3 keeps space between you and them.

    Source: Ohio Motorcycle Operator Manual, Lane Positions

11. 11. Riding directly beside another rider in the same lane is discouraged because:

    Correct answer: There is no room to maneuver around a hazard

    Pairing up in one lane leaves nowhere to go if you must swerve around a car or obstacle.

    Source: Ohio Motorcycle Operator Manual, Group Riding: Don't Pair Up

12. 12. Choosing a good lane position helps you above all to:

    Correct answer: See and be seen while keeping a space cushion

    A smart lane position increases your ability to see and be seen and preserves a cushion of space.

    Source: Ohio Motorcycle Operator Manual, Lane Positions