Sharing the Road

Study questions with answers

12 sample Sharing the Road questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.

1. 1. A low-speed electric bicycle in Illinois has what speed limit and minimum operator age?

   Correct answer: Up to 20 mph, operated by someone at least 16

   Low-speed electric or gas bicycles may not exceed 20 mph, must be ridden on streets rather than sidewalks, and require an operator at least 16 years old.

   Source: Illinois Rules of the Road — Bicycles

2. 2. The greatest share of motorcycle crashes happen where?

   Correct answer: At intersections

   More than half of motorcycle crashes occur at intersections, often when a car turns left in front of the rider. Watch for motorcycles before turning.

   Source: Illinois Rules of the Road — Motorcycles (Intersections)

3. 3. How much of a traffic lane is a motorcyclist entitled to use?

   Correct answer: The full width of the lane

   A motorcyclist may use the entire lane to maneuver safely. Do not try to share the lane by driving alongside them.

   Source: Illinois Rules of the Road — Motorcycles (Lane Sharing)

4. 4. On a four-lane highway, what does Illinois law require when you approach a disabled vehicle showing hazard lights?

   Correct answer: Change lanes away from it when it is safe

   Move over to a lane away from a disabled vehicle if you can do so safely; if not, slow down as you pass.

   Source: Illinois Rules of the Road — Disabled Vehicles

5. 5. When you meet or pass a horseback rider on the road, you should do what?

   Correct answer: Slow down, use caution, and avoid honking

   Never sound your horn near a horse; the noise may spook the animal. Pass slowly and be ready to stop.

   Source: Illinois Rules of the Road — Horseback Riders

6. 6. When you pass a pedestrian walking on the roadway or its shoulder, how much clearance must you give?

   Correct answer: At least 3 feet

   Give at least 3 feet of space between your car and anyone walking along the road or its shoulder.

   Source: Illinois Rules of the Road — Passing

7. 7. How much following distance should you keep behind a motorcycle?

   Correct answer: At least three to four seconds

   Allow a three- to four-second gap behind a motorcycle so the rider has room to maneuver in an emergency.

   Source: Illinois Rules of the Road — Motorcycles (Following and Stopping Distance)

8. 8. If a red light does not turn green for a motorcyclist after a long wait, what may the rider do?

   Correct answer: Proceed after 120 seconds, yielding to oncoming traffic

   If the light will not turn green after two minutes (120 seconds), a motorcyclist may proceed with caution once oncoming traffic has been yielded to.

   Source: Illinois Rules of the Road — Motorcycles (Stoplights)

9. 9. When following or driving near a large truck, you should avoid what?

   Correct answer: Lingering in the truck's blind spots

   Large trucks have big blind spots (No-Zones). Stay where the driver can see you in the mirrors and don't linger alongside.

   Source: Illinois Rules of the Road — Large Vehicles

10. 10. When passing a bicyclist, Illinois law requires at least how much space?

    Correct answer: 3 feet between your vehicle and the bicycle

    Leave a minimum of 3 feet when passing a bicyclist, and wait to pass until you can do so safely.

    Source: Illinois Rules of the Road — Bicycles

11. 11. Because trucks and buses make wide right turns, a driver should do what?

    Correct answer: Give them extra room and not move up on the right

    Large vehicles swing wide and may leave a gap on the right before turning. Do not try to move into that space.

    Source: Illinois Rules of the Road — Large Vehicles

12. 12. In which direction must a bicyclist travel on the roadway?

    Correct answer: The same direction as other traffic

    Bicyclists must ride in the same direction as vehicle traffic and generally keep to the right.

    Source: Illinois Rules of the Road — Bicycles