Texas permit test: sharing the road
Pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists, trucks, buses and slow vehicles. 6 questions.
How much following distance should you leave behind a motorcycle?
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
How much following distance should you leave behind a motorcycle?
- A At least one to two seconds
- B At least four to six seconds
- C The same as behind a car
- D At least two full car lengths at all speeds
Show answer
B. At least four to six seconds
Allow at least four to six seconds behind a motorcycle so the rider has room to maneuver or stop. Motorcycles can stop faster than cars in dry conditions.
May you share a traffic lane side by side with a motorcycle?
- A Yes, if the lane looks wide enough
- B Yes, but only at low speeds
- C No; a motorcycle is entitled to a full lane width
- D Yes, if the rider waves you alongside
Show answer
C. No; a motorcycle is entitled to a full lane width
Give a motorcyclist a full lane width. The rider may need room to avoid potholes, gravel or wind gusts.
What is the most common crash between a car and a motorcycle?
- A A car rear-ending a motorcycle on the freeway
- B A car turning left in front of a motorcycle at an intersection
- C A motorcycle running off the road on a curve
- D A car backing out of a parking space
Show answer
B. A car turning left in front of a motorcycle at an intersection
The most common car-motorcycle crash happens when a car turns left in front of a motorcycle. Motorcycles are small and their speed is hard to judge, so look twice before turning.
You are following a large truck. What is a good rule for knowing whether the driver can see you?
- A If you can't see the driver in the side mirror, the driver can't see you
- B If you are within one car length, the driver can see you
- C Truck drivers can always see cars behind them
- D If your headlights are on, the driver can see you
Show answer
A. If you can't see the driver in the side mirror, the driver can't see you
Large trucks have big blind spots, including directly behind. Stay where you can see the driver's face in the truck's side mirror.