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Ohio driving lesson · Sharing the Road

Sharing the road with motorcyclists

A 2-minute lesson from the Ohio course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.

Read time
2 minutes
Course unit
Sharing the Road
Checkpoint questions
5
Source pages
37

Motorcyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as other drivers, but they're smaller, harder to see, and far more affected by road surface problems. Give them room and time.

Know the rule

Motorcyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as other drivers, but may be harder to see.

Handbook p. 37 ↗

Know the rule

Allow a motorcyclist a full lane width — they need space to react to other traffic.

Handbook p. 37 ↗

Know the rule

Motorcycles are part of the traffic mix. Always check your mirrors and blind spots for them.

Handbook p. 37 ↗

Know the rule

Motorcycles need a greater stopping distance than cars and other passenger vehicles.

Handbook p. 37 ↗

Know the rule

Don't assume a motorcycle is turning because its signal is flashing — motorcycle signals may not self-cancel and the rider may have forgotten to turn it off.

Handbook p. 37 ↗
4 seconds

Minimum following distance behind a motorcycle — more in wet conditions

Handbook p. 37 ↗

Hazards that can make a rider suddenly change speed or lane position:

  • Potholes
  • Gravel
  • Wet or slippery surfaces
  • Pavement seams
  • Railroad crossings
  • Grooved pavement
Handbook p. 37 ↗

Put it into practice

A motorcycle ahead has its right signal blinking but passes two side streets without turning. The signal probably didn't cancel. Don't pull out in front of it until you're sure of its path.

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.

How much lane width should you give a motorcyclist?
  1. The full width of the lane
  2. Half the lane width
  3. Two-thirds of the lane
  4. As much as fits alongside your vehicle

Answer: The full width of the lane

Allow a motorcyclist a full lane width so they have space to react to traffic.

Handbook p. 37 ↗
What is the minimum recommended following distance behind a motorcycle, and when should it increase?
  1. 2 seconds, less in wet conditions
  2. 4 seconds, more in wet conditions
  3. 6 seconds, only in fog
  4. 10 seconds at all times

Answer: 4 seconds, more in wet conditions

Allow a minimum 4-second following distance behind a motorcyclist, or more in wet conditions.

Handbook p. 37 ↗
Why shouldn't you assume a motorcycle is turning just because its signal is flashing?
  1. Motorcycle signals flash only when braking
  2. Riders signal only after the turn begins
  3. Motorcycle signals are hard to see in daylight
  4. Its signal may not self-cancel

Answer: Its signal may not self-cancel

Motorcycle turn signals may not self-cancel, so the rider may have forgotten to turn them off.

Handbook p. 37 ↗
Motorcycles require a greater stopping distance than cars and other passenger vehicles.
  1. True
  2. False

Answer: True

The handbook states motorcycles require a greater stopping distance than passenger vehicles.

Handbook p. 37 ↗
You're following a motorcycle in the rain. How should your following distance compare to normal dry conditions?
  1. The same 4 seconds is always sufficient
  2. Greater than the standard 4-second minimum
  3. Shorter, since motorcycles are more agile
  4. Following distance doesn't matter for motorcycles

Answer: Greater than the standard 4-second minimum

The handbook recommends a minimum 4-second following distance behind a motorcyclist, or more in wet conditions.

Handbook p. 37 ↗
Take the lesson checkpoint in the app

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