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. As you prepare to pass a vehicle, where should you position yourself in your lane?

   Correct answer: In the left portion of the lane, to improve your view and visibility

   Riding in the left portion of the lane at a safe following distance widens your line of sight and makes you more visible before you pass.

   Source: Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook — Passing

2. 2. What is usually the best way to deal with someone tailgating you?

   Correct answer: Change lanes and let them pass

   A good way to handle a tailgater is to change lanes and let them go by; you can also slow and open space ahead to encourage them to pass.

   Source: Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook — Being Followed

3. 3. Where should inexperienced riders be placed in a group formation?

   Correct answer: Just behind the leader

   Place beginners just behind the leader so more experienced riders can keep an eye on them.

   Source: Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook — Keep the Group Together

4. 4. The handbook recommends dividing a group ride into smaller groups when it grows larger than about how many riders?

   Correct answer: Four or five

   Keep groups small; if there are more than four or five riders, split into two or more smaller groups so traffic can get around them more easily.

   Source: Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook — Keep the Group Small

5. 5. What should you keep in mind when approaching slow farm machinery on a rural road?

   Correct answer: It may lack brake lights or turn signals, and the operator may not see or hear you

   Farm machinery operators may have trouble seeing or hearing traffic, and their equipment often has no brake lights or turn signals, so pass with extra caution.

   Source: Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook — Farm Safety / Rural Driving

6. 6. Why should you avoid moving to the far side of your lane when a vehicle passes you?

   Correct answer: It may tempt the passing driver to cut back into your lane too soon

   Drifting to the portion of the lane farthest from the passing vehicle can invite that driver to pull back in front of you too early.

   Source: Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook — Being Passed

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

   Correct answer: In the center portion of your lane

   Stay in the center portion of your lane while being passed; riding closer to the other vehicle or drifting to the far side both create hazards.

   Source: Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook — Being Passed

8. 8. When riding behind a car, where in your lane are you most likely 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 puts your image in the middle of the car's rearview mirror, where the driver is most likely to notice you.

   Source: Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook — Following

9. 9. In a staggered group formation, where does the second rider travel relative to the leader?

   Correct answer: About one second behind, on the opposite side of the lane

   In a staggered formation the leader rides in the left of the lane and the second rider stays about one second back in the right portion, keeping ranks close while preserving a space cushion.

   Source: Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook — Keep Your Distance

10. 10. Why should you avoid riding right next to cars or trucks in other lanes?

    Correct answer: You may sit in their blind spot, and they also block your escape if danger appears ahead

    Riding alongside other vehicles can place you in their blind spot, where they might change lanes into you, and it also removes an escape route if a hazard shows up in your lane.

    Source: Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook — Cars Alongside

11. 11. Why does the handbook warn riders never to ride directly alongside another rider in a group?

    Correct answer: There is no room to escape a hazard such as a pothole or an oncoming vehicle in your lane

    Riding side by side leaves no place to move if you must avoid a pothole, debris, or an oncoming vehicle in your lane, so riders should not pair up.

    Source: Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook — Keep Your Distance

12. 12. When is single-file formation best for a group?

    Correct answer: When riding curves, turning, or entering and leaving a highway

    Move into single file for curves, turns, and when entering or leaving a highway.

    Source: Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook — Single-File Formation