Illinois permit test: sharing the road
Pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists, trucks, buses and slow vehicles. 6 questions.
When passing a bicyclist in Illinois, how much space must you leave?
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Sample sharing the road questions
When passing a bicyclist in Illinois, how much space must you leave?
- A At least 6 feet, always
- B At least 3 feet
- C At least 1 foot
- D At least 2 feet
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B. At least 3 feet
Pass bicyclists slowly with at least 3 feet between them and your vehicle's side mirror, including riders on the shoulder or in a bike lane. If you cannot give 3 feet, wait until you can.
No bicyclists are in sight. May you stop in a marked bike lane to drop off a passenger?
- A Yes, as long as you turn on your hazard lights
- B Yes, if you stay with the vehicle
- C No, you may not drive, park, idle or drop off in a bike lane even when it is empty
- D Yes, for up to two minutes
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C. No, you may not drive, park, idle or drop off in a bike lane even when it is empty
Vehicles may not drive, park, idle, or drop off or pick up passengers in bike lanes, even if no bicyclists are present. A rider could appear at any moment and be forced into traffic.
You have parked on a street and are about to open the driver's door. What does the Illinois handbook recommend?
- A Open it a little and wait for traffic to honk
- B Rely on your side mirror alone, then open it fully
- C Reach across with your right hand so you turn and look for bicyclists
- D Open it quickly with your left hand so you can get out before traffic comes
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C. Reach across with your right hand so you turn and look for bicyclists
The 'Dutch Reach' means opening your door with your right hand. It turns your upper body so you naturally look back for oncoming bicyclists and vehicles before the door swings open.
A motorcycle is riding in the lane next to you. May you move over to share its lane?
- A Yes, if the motorcyclist waves you over
- B No, the motorcyclist is entitled to the entire lane
- C Yes, but only in heavy traffic
- D Yes, because a motorcycle only ever needs half of the lane
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B. No, the motorcyclist is entitled to the entire lane
Although a car and motorcycle may fit in one lane, the motorcyclist needs room to maneuver and is entitled to the whole lane. Do not share the lane.