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Vermont driving lesson · Sharing the Road

Sharing the road with motorcycles

A 3-minute lesson from the Vermont 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
43, 44

Motorcyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as other drivers. Their small size tricks your eyes, though: a motorcycle looks farther away and faster than it really is, and it hides easily. Look twice and give riders a full lane.

Know the rule

Don't crowd motorcycles or take the right-of-way from them. Motorcyclists, in turn, must not take advantage of their narrow size and maneuverability.

Handbook p. 43 ↗
More than 4 seconds

Following distance behind a motorcycle; keep at least a four-second space cushion

Handbook p. 43 ↗

Why motorcycles are easy to misjudge:

  • They often slow by downshifting or rolling off the throttle, so no brake light comes on
  • Their turn signals usually don't cancel themselves, so make sure a signal is for real
  • Riders shift lane position to be seen and to avoid wind, debris and passing vehicles
  • A motorcycle seems to move faster than it really is, and may look farther away than it is
  • It's easily hidden by door posts, mirrors, passengers, bushes, parked cars and blind spots
  • At night its single headlight and taillight can blend into other traffic
Handbook p. 43 ↗

Know the rule

A motorcycle's stopping distance is nearly the same as a car's, but slippery pavement makes quick stops difficult. Don't expect a rider to always dodge out of the way.

Handbook p. 43 ↗

Know the rule

A passenger makes balance harder, increases stopping distance and reduces maneuverability. Expect more problems when you see two on a motorcycle, especially near intersections.

Handbook p. 43 ↗

Know the rule

Motorcycle mirrors are small and usually convex, so you look farther back than you really are.

Handbook p. 43 ↗

Know the rule

Motorcycles are entitled to a full lane. When passing, change lanes completely, and never cut in close afterward.

Handbook p. 44 ↗

Know the rule

Signal to show a rider you intend to pass, change lanes or turn. Give a passing motorcyclist plenty of room, and never speed up to stay ahead of one.

Handbook p. 44 ↗

Put it into practice

You're waiting to turn left and see a single headlight far off. It may be a motorcycle, and it's probably closer and faster than it looks. Wait until it passes before you turn.

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 of a traffic lane is a motorcycle entitled to?
  1. Half a lane, sharing with cars
  2. The right third of the lane
  3. A full lane only on the Interstate
  4. A full lane

Answer: A full lane

Motorcycles are entitled to a full lane; when passing one, change lanes completely.

Handbook p. 44 ↗
Why might a motorcycle look farther away than it actually is?
  1. Its small size
  2. Its convex mirrors
  3. Its single headlight
  4. Its narrow tires

Answer: Its small size

Because of its small size, a motorcycle may look farther away than it is, so predict it is closer than it looks.

Handbook p. 43 ↗
What following distance should you keep behind a motorcycle?
  1. At least 1 second
  2. At least 4 seconds
  3. At least 10 car lengths regardless of speed
  4. The same as behind a large truck only

Answer: At least 4 seconds

Keep at least a four-second space cushion when following a motorcyclist.

Handbook p. 43 ↗
Why do motorcyclists sometimes shift position within their lane?
  1. To signal they are about to stop suddenly
  2. It indicates a mechanical problem
  3. To be seen more easily and reduce wind or debris effects
  4. It's legally required before every turn

Answer: To be seen more easily and reduce wind or debris effects

Motorcyclists adjust lane position for a purpose: visibility and reducing wind, debris, or passing-vehicle effects.

Handbook p. 43 ↗
Why should you take extra care when a motorcycle is carrying a passenger?
  1. Passengers are not legally allowed on motorcycles
  2. It means the motorcycle is likely speeding
  3. Two-up motorcycles must use hazard lights
  4. Balance, stopping distance, and maneuverability are all affected

Answer: Balance, stopping distance, and maneuverability are all affected

Carrying a passenger makes balance harder, stopping distance longer, and maneuverability worse for a motorcyclist.

Handbook p. 43 ↗
A motorcycle's turn signal automatically cancels after a turn, just like a car's.
  1. True
  2. False

Answer: False

Motorcycle turn signals usually are not self-canceling, so riders sometimes forget to turn them off.

Handbook p. 43 ↗
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