Right-of-Way

Study questions with answers

11 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. Why should you check your mirrors often while stopped at an intersection?

   Correct answer: To stay aware of traffic behind you and help avoid being rear-ended

   Checking mirrors keeps you aware of traffic approaching from behind so you can react and help avoid a rear-end collision.

   Source: Washington Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Strategies for the Street: Intersections

2. 2. Why are intersections especially risky for motorcyclists in terms of visibility?

   Correct answer: They often create blind spots that make it harder to be seen

   Intersections frequently include elements that produce blind spots, which makes it more difficult for riders to spot others and be noticed themselves.

   Source: Washington Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Strategies for the Street: Intersections

3. 3. Your light turns green at an intersection. Even though you have the right-of-way, what remains your responsibility?

   Correct answer: To look and make sure the way is clear before entering

   Even with a green light, it is your responsibility to look and make sure traffic is clear before pulling into the intersection.

   Source: Washington Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Preparing to Ride: Create Your Own Safety by Taking Responsibility

4. 4. When choosing your speed and lane position at an intersection, what should guide your choice?

   Correct answer: The position that best lets you see and be seen

   Pick a speed and position that maximize your ability to see and be seen while accounting for surface and traffic conditions.

   Source: Washington Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Strategies for the Street: Intersections

5. 5. Which gear should you generally stay in while stopped at an intersection?

   Correct answer: First gear

   Remaining in first gear at intersections lets you move quickly if you must pull away to avoid a rear-end collision.

   Source: Washington Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Strategies for the Street: Intersections

6. 6. Where do the majority of motorcycle-versus-vehicle collisions happen?

   Correct answer: At intersections

   Most collisions between motorcycles and other vehicles occur at intersections.

   Source: Washington Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Strategies for the Street: Intersections

7. 7. Another driver runs a red light and hits you as you enter an intersection. What does the manual say about responsibility?

   Correct answer: You still own some of the responsibility, so you should have looked first

   Even when another driver is legally at fault, you still share responsibility, so you should always look before entering.

   Source: Washington Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Preparing to Ride: Create Your Own Safety by Taking Responsibility

8. 8. What is the most common type of collision between a car and a motorcycle at an intersection?

   Correct answer: A car turning left across the rider's path

   The most frequent intersection crash occurs when a car turns left directly across the motorcycle's path.

   Source: Washington Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Strategies for the Street: Intersections

9. 9. You see a car stopped at a green light as you approach an intersection. What should you predict?

   Correct answer: That the driver is probably waiting to turn

   A vehicle waiting at a green light is likely preparing to turn, so anticipate that and be ready to react.

   Source: Washington Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Strategies for the Street: Intersections

10. 10. As you approach a busy intersection, what does it mean to 'cover' your controls?

    Correct answer: Being ready to use the clutch and brakes at a moment's notice

    Covering the controls means getting ready to operate the clutch and brakes so you can use them instantly if needed.

    Source: Washington Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Strategies for the Street: Intersections

11. 11. Before you proceed through an intersection, what should you confirm about other road users?

    Correct answer: That they have come to a stop

    Make sure other road users have actually stopped before you move through an intersection, rather than assuming they will yield.

    Source: Washington Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Strategies for the Street: Intersections