A 3-minute lesson from the Delaware course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
A motorcycle is about two feet wide, versus five to six feet for a car, so drivers often don't see it or misjudge its distance and speed. Nationally, almost half of motorcycle crashes involve another vehicle.
2 ft
Approximate width of a motorcycle (a car is 5–6 feet wide)
Left turns in front of oncoming motorcycles cause a large share of injury crashes. Look, and look again—make sure you see the motorcycle and know its speed before you turn.
Motorcycles are entitled to the full width of a lane. Never move alongside a motorcycle in its lane, even if it's riding to one side—it's illegal and extremely hazardous.
Riders must carry approved eye protection and helmets for themselves and passengers, and must wear them when riding on a learner's permit (including the road test) or if under 19.
You're waiting to turn left and see a motorcycle approaching with its right turn signal blinking. Don't assume it's turning—the signal may simply not have cancelled. Wait until the rider clearly turns or has passed.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
Per the handbook's motorcycle section, at speeds under 40 mph you should follow a motorcycle by at least
1 second
3 seconds
2 seconds
5 seconds
Answer: 2 seconds
Following distance behind a motorcyclist should be a two-second count at speeds under 40 mph.