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Missouri driving lesson · Sharing the Road

Sharing the road with motorcycles

A 3-minute lesson from the Missouri course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.

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Read time
3 minutes
Course unit
Sharing the Road
Checkpoint questions
6
Source pages
30

Motorcycles are easy to miss and hard to judge. Give a motorcycle the same full lane you'd give a car, and expect sudden changes in speed or position when the road surface is rough or the wind is strong.

What to know about motorcycles:

  • Motorcycles are often overlooked by motorists
  • It isn't always easy to judge a motorcycle's speed or distance
  • On residential streets, especially with parked cars, drive at or below the limit, depending on sight distance
  • Riders change speed and lane position for manhole covers, diagonal railroad tracks, debris or strong wind
Handbook p. 30 ↗

Know the rule

Don't share a lane with a motorcycle. The motorcyclist needs the entire lane for safety.

Handbook p. 30 ↗

Know the rule

When passing, give a motorcycle a full lane width; don't squeeze past. If the lane is too narrow to share, wait for a clear stretch of road.

Handbook p. 30 ↗

Safety tips for riders:

  • The law requires you to wear a helmet
  • Keep the motorcycle in safe condition with all equipment required by law
  • Wear bright clothes, stay out of blind spots, and use lights and reflectors after dark
  • Signal before slowing, changing lanes or turning, and scan behind and ahead first
  • Be extra careful at intersections; don't assume your right-of-way
  • Keep a steady line and be predictable
Handbook p. 30 ↗
3–4 ft

Clearance a rider should leave when passing to the left of a parked or moving vehicle

Handbook p. 30 ↗

Know the rule

To drive any motorcycle on public streets, you need a valid driver license with a motorcycle endorsement, or a motorcycle license.

Handbook p. 30 ↗

Put it into practice

A motorcyclist ahead moves within the lane to avoid a manhole cover. Stay back and be ready to react. When you pass, move fully into the next lane; never share the rider's lane.

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.

When passing a motorcyclist, how much space should you give them?
  1. Half a lane width
  2. At least three feet
  3. A full lane width
  4. At least six feet

Answer: A full lane width

When passing, give motorcycles a full lane width; do not squeeze past them.

Handbook p. 30 ↗
Is it acceptable to share a lane with a motorcycle?
  1. Yes, if the motorcycle is small
  2. Yes, if traffic is heavy
  3. Only at low speeds
  4. No, the motorcyclist needs the entire lane

Answer: No, the motorcyclist needs the entire lane

You should not share a lane with a motorcycle; the motorcyclist needs the entire lane for safety reasons.

Handbook p. 30 ↗
What does Missouri law require motorcycle riders to wear?
  1. A helmet
  2. A reflective vest
  3. Brightly colored clothing
  4. Eye protection only

Answer: A helmet

Missouri law requires motorcycle riders to wear a helmet.

Handbook p. 30 ↗
According to the handbook, why do motorcycles call for extra attention from drivers?
  1. They always travel faster than cars
  2. They're often overlooked and hard to judge
  3. Their riders rarely use turn signals
  4. They must ride at the lane's right edge

Answer: They're often overlooked and hard to judge

Motorcycles are often overlooked by motorists, and it is not always easy to judge their speed or distance.

Handbook p. 30 ↗
What can cause a motorcyclist to suddenly change speed or lane position?
  1. Only when they are about to turn
  2. Only when riding in a group
  3. Manhole covers, tracks, debris, or wind
  4. Only in heavy rain or snow

Answer: Manhole covers, tracks, debris, or wind

Motorcyclists change speed and lane position when encountering hazards like manhole covers, diagonal railroad tracks, debris, or strong winds.

Handbook p. 30 ↗
Motorcycle operators in Missouri must have a valid driver license with a motorcycle endorsement or a motorcycle license.
  1. True
  2. False

Answer: True

To drive any motorcycle on public streets, you must have a valid license with a motorcycle endorsement or a motorcycle license.

Handbook p. 30 ↗
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