Right-of-Way

Study questions with answers

9 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. At an intersection, the greatest danger to a rider is usually:

   Correct answer: A car turning left across your path

   Cars turning left in front of you, including from the lane to your right, and cars pulling out of side streets pose the biggest threat.

   Source: PA Motorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147) — Intersections

2. 2. If a car at a side street could possibly pull into your path, you should:

   Correct answer: Assume it will and be ready to react

   Assume that a car able to enter your path will do so; good riders look for trouble in order to stay out of it.

   Source: PA Motorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147) — Intersections

3. 3. Drivers often pull out in front of motorcycles because a smaller vehicle:

   Correct answer: Looks farther away and slower than it really is

   Smaller vehicles appear farther away and seem to be moving slower than they really are, so drivers misjudge the gap and pull out thinking they have plenty of time.

   Source: PA Motorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147) — Increasing Conspicuity

4. 4. A car ahead is signaling a left turn across your path. You should:

   Correct answer: Slow down and move away from the turning car

   Slow down and move away from the turning vehicle to protect your space, since left-turning drivers are a common threat to riders.

   Source: PA Motorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147) — SEE

5. 5. What causes more than half of all motorcycle-and-car crashes?

   Correct answer: Drivers moving into a rider's right-of-way

   Most car-motorcycle crashes happen when a driver moves into the rider's right-of-way, such as turning left across the rider's path or pulling out from a side street.

   Source: PA Motorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147) — Intersections

6. 6. At a stop sign or stop line with limited visibility, the safest approach is to:

   Correct answer: Stop, edge forward, and stop again to look before entering

   Stop first at the sign or line, then edge forward and stop again just short of the cross-traffic lane, leaning to look around obstacles while keeping your front wheel out of the cross lane.

   Source: PA Motorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147) — Intersections: Blind Intersections

7. 7. As you approach a blind intersection, you should move to the part of the lane that:

   Correct answer: Brings you into other drivers' view as early as possible

   Choose the lane position that brings you into a cross-street driver's view at the earliest possible moment while still protecting your space.

   Source: PA Motorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147) — Intersections: Blind Intersections

8. 8. After you enter an intersection, you should avoid changing your speed or position sharply because:

   Correct answer: A driver might think you are about to turn

   A sudden change might make a driver think you are preparing to turn; move away from turning vehicles smoothly rather than abruptly.

   Source: PA Motorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147) — SEE

9. 9. To increase your chances of being seen at an intersection, you should:

   Correct answer: Use your headlight and pick a lane position with a clear view

   Ride with your headlight on, choose a lane position that gives the best view of oncoming traffic, and keep a space cushion so you can take evasive action.

   Source: PA Motorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147) — Intersections