Tennessee permit test: sharing the road

Pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists, trucks, buses and slow vehicles. 5 questions.

Question 1 of 5
Sharing the roadTennessee rule

In Tennessee, what is the minimum distance you must leave when passing a bicycle going the same direction?

Keyboard: press 1–4 or A–D to answer, Enter for the next question, S to save, R to read aloud, P to pause reading, L to listen and answer.

Sample sharing the road questions

  1. In Tennessee, what is the minimum distance you must leave when passing a bicycle going the same direction?

    • A 3 feet
    • B 2 feet
    • C 6 feet
    • D 1 foot
    Show answer

    A. 3 feet

    Tennessee law requires you to pass a bicyclist slowly with at least 3 feet of clearance and keep that space until you are safely past. Cyclists may swerve suddenly to avoid potholes or debris.

    Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, page 119

  2. You are following a large truck and cannot see its side mirrors. What does this tell you?

    • A The truck driver cannot see you
    • B The truck's mirrors are broken
    • C You are at a safe following distance
    • D The truck is about to turn right
    Show answer

    A. The truck driver cannot see you

    If you cannot see a truck's side mirrors, the driver cannot see you. You are in the rear no-zone, following too closely, and your view of the road ahead is blocked. Drop back.

    Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, page 78

  3. At 55 mph, a car can stop in about 240 feet. About how far does a large truck need at the same speed?

    • A About 450 feet or more
    • B About 300 feet
    • C About the same 240 feet
    • D About 1 mile
    Show answer

    A. About 450 feet or more

    A truck at 55 mph needs about 450 feet or more to stop, nearly twice a car's 240 feet. Never cut in front of a truck and slow down; you remove the driver's safety cushion.

    Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, page 123

  4. How should you share a lane with a motorcycle?

    • A Only at night when traffic is light
    • B Ride alongside it if both fit in the lane
    • C Pass it within the same lane, but only at a low speed
    • D Never; the motorcycle is entitled to the full lane
    Show answer

    D. Never; the motorcycle is entitled to the full lane

    Motorcycles have the right to use the full lane, because riders need its whole width to avoid potholes, wind blasts and other hazards. Never try to share a lane with a motorcycle.

    Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, page 121