247SimpleTests
DMV Permit · Lane Positioning

When sharing the road with a bicyclist, you should:

Reviewed by Jordan Morley, Editorial Lead at 247SimpleTests. Written by the 247SimpleTests Editorial Team from the official source material cited on every question.

Correct answer

Give them at least 3 feet of clearance when passing, and pass only when safe

  1. A Make them ride on the sidewalk
  2. B Give them at least 3 feet of clearance when passing, and pass only when safe
  3. C Honk to warn them of your approach
  4. D Pass as quickly as possible to minimize the time alongside

Why this is the answer

Most states require drivers to give bicyclists at least 3 feet of clearance when passing. Some states require more (4 or 5 feet) and some have less specific 'safe distance' rules. The principle is the same: cyclists are vulnerable road users, and even a clipping-mirror crash can cause serious injury. Pass only when you can see the road ahead clearly, give the cyclist plenty of room, and only when there is enough distance from oncoming traffic to do so safely. Cyclists generally have the same right to be in the roadway as motor vehicles and are not required to ride on the sidewalk (and in many states are prohibited from doing so where signs forbid it). Sudden honking can startle a cyclist into the path of your vehicle.
Source: Standard state driver handbook, Sharing the Road with Cyclists

Practice more questions

This question is from our DMV Permit Practice Tests practice test. Take the full practice test to test your knowledge across all Lane Positioning and other topics.

Take the DMV Permit practice test →

About this topic: Lane Positioning

Keep right except to pass; use the rightmost lane that suits your speed and exit. Lane-discipline questions are common because lane errors cause a high share of multi-vehicle highway crashes. This is one of 6 DMV Permit questions on lane positioning, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

New to this exam? Our DMV Permit exam guide explains the format, scoring, and how to prepare.

Related questions

Lane Positioning

On a multi-lane road with traffic moving in both directions, which lane should you generally use for normal driving?

 Lane Positioning

When is it legal to drive on the shoulder of a highway?

 Lane Positioning

In which lane should you generally drive on a multilane highway?

 Lane Positioning

On a road with two or more lanes traveling in your direction, which lane is generally intended for slower traffic and exiting?

State-specific guides

Need information for your state? Our state guides cover local requirements, fees, and what to expect on exam day.

California Texas Florida New York Pennsylvania Illinois Ohio Georgia

Recommended study materials

Study guide

DMV Permit Test Study Guide (Learner Editions)

State-by-state driver's license and learner's permit prep, road signs, and rules of the road in plain language.

Check Price → Study guide

Road Rules & Signs Workbook (Exambusters)

Targeted flashcard-style review of road signs, right-of-way rules, and speed limits for all 50 states.

Check Price → Study guide

Prepare for the Learner's Permit Test (Sterling)

Practice questions and explanations for teen and adult first-time driver license test takers.

Check Price →

As an Amazon Associate, CJ Affiliate, and AWIN publisher we earn from qualifying purchases. Links above are affiliate links. Full disclosure →