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South Carolina driving lesson · Sharing the Road

Motorcyclists

A 2-minute lesson from the South Carolina 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
6
Source pages
114, 115, 116

Motorcyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as other drivers, but they're harder to see and more exposed to road hazards. Give them room and time.

Know the rule

Allow a motorcyclist a full lane width. Don't share the lane; the rider needs space to react to traffic.

Handbook p. 114 ↗

Know the rule

Motorcycles are small and harder to see. Always check your mirrors and blind spots for them.

Handbook p. 115 ↗
Blind spots and mirror vision zones
Motorcycles can hide in your blind spots

Know the rule

Before turning left, look carefully to the front and sides for motorcycles.

Handbook p. 115 ↗
Intersection turn restriction
Don't turn left across an oncoming motorcycle

Know the rule

Don't assume a motorcycle is turning because its signal is flashing. Motorcycle signals may not self-cancel. Wait until you're sure the rider is turning.

Handbook p. 116 ↗
4 seconds

Minimum following distance behind a motorcycle (more when wet)

Handbook p. 116 ↗

Riders may suddenly change speed or lane position to avoid:

  • Potholes
  • Gravel
  • Wet or slippery surfaces
  • Pavement seams
  • Railroad crossings
  • Grooved pavement
Handbook p. 116 ↗

Know the rule

Scooters and mopeds travel at much slower speeds than motorcycles.

Handbook p. 116 ↗

Put it into practice

An oncoming motorcycle has its right signal flashing as you wait to turn left. Don't go yet. The signal may just not have cancelled. Wait until the rider actually starts turning or passes.

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 sharing the road with a motorcycle, you should:
  1. Give it a full lane; never share it
  2. Share the lane if there is room
  3. Share the lane if the rider allows
  4. Pass within the same lane if slow

Answer: Give it a full lane; never share it

Allow a motorcyclist a full lane width; do not share the lane.

Handbook p. 114 ↗
Motorcycles are more difficult to see mainly because:
  1. Their headlights are dimmer
  2. They are smaller
  3. They usually ride on the shoulder
  4. They travel faster than cars

Answer: They are smaller

Motorcycles are small and therefore more difficult to see in traffic.

Handbook p. 115 ↗
Before turning left, you should be alert for motorcycles by:
  1. Checking only your rearview mirror
  2. Listening for engine noise
  3. Looking carefully to the front and sides of your vehicle
  4. Flashing your headlights first

Answer: Looking carefully to the front and sides of your vehicle

Before turning left, be alert for motorcycles by looking carefully to the front and sides of your vehicle.

Handbook p. 115 ↗
If you see a motorcycle's turn signal flashing, you should:
  1. Proceed immediately, assuming they will turn
  2. Assume the signal is broken
  3. Honk to let the rider know
  4. Make sure the rider is turning first

Answer: Make sure the rider is turning first

Motorcycle turn signals may not self-cancel, so wait to be sure the rider is actually going to turn.

Handbook p. 116 ↗
What is the minimum following distance recommended behind a motorcyclist?
  1. 4 seconds, more when wet
  2. 1 second
  3. 10 seconds
  4. 2 seconds, regardless of conditions

Answer: 4 seconds, more when wet

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

Handbook p. 116 ↗
Why might a motorcyclist ahead suddenly change speed or lane position?
  1. To let you know it's safe to pass
  2. To avoid potholes, gravel, or grooved pavement
  3. Because motorcycles can't hold a steady speed
  4. To stay out of trucks' No Zones

Answer: To avoid potholes, gravel, or grooved pavement

Motorcycle riders may need to suddenly adjust for hazards like potholes, gravel, or grooved pavement.

Handbook p. 116 ↗
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