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. Why do bicyclists sometimes ride toward the center of a traffic lane rather than at the far right?

   Correct answer: To avoid debris, grates, and other edge hazards

   They may move into the center to avoid gravel, debris, bad pavement, sewer grates, and other hazards near the edge.

   Source: Louisiana Class D & E Driver's Guide, Ch. 5 - Sharing the Road with Bicycles

2. 2. During which times of day are deer and other wildlife most active near roadways?

   Correct answer: At dusk and dawn

   Wildlife is most active at dusk and dawn, when it is also hardest for your eyes to adjust to the changing light.

   Source: Louisiana Class D & E Driver's Guide, Ch. 7 - Animals

3. 3. A slow-moving vehicle displays a reflective orange and red triangle on the rear. What does this indicate?

   Correct answer: The vehicle is traveling at less than 25 mph

   That emblem means the vehicle is traveling at less than 25 mph, so approach and pass it with caution.

   Source: Louisiana Class D & E Driver's Guide, Ch. 7 - Slow Moving Vehicles

4. 4. An animal suddenly darts into the roadway in front of you. What is the recommended reaction?

   Correct answer: Keep control and stay in your lane rather than swerving

   You should not swerve into oncoming traffic or off the road; keep control and stay in your lane, even if that means striking the animal.

   Source: Louisiana Class D & E Driver's Guide, Ch. 7 - Animals

5. 5. When following a large truck at night, why should you keep your headlights on low beam?

   Correct answer: The truck's mirrors reflect high beams into the driver's eyes

   The truck's many side mirrors will reflect your high beams straight into the driver's eyes, so low beam avoids blinding them.

   Source: Louisiana Class D & E Driver's Guide, Ch. 5 - Following Trucks

6. 6. When passing a bicyclist traveling in the same direction, how much clearance must a Louisiana driver give?

   Correct answer: At least three feet of space

   State law requires at least a three-foot distance between your vehicle and a slower-moving bicyclist you are passing.

   Source: Louisiana Class D & E Driver's Guide, Ch. 5 - Sharing the Road with Bicycles

7. 7. Why is it dangerous to move into the space between a large truck and the curb when it is turning right?

   Correct answer: The truck may swing wide left and squeeze you against the curb

   Trucks often swing wide left to clear a right turn, so squeezing in on the right can trap you between the truck and the curb.

   Source: Louisiana Class D & E Driver's Guide, Ch. 5 - Avoid Squeeze Play

8. 8. Under Louisiana law, when must a child under age twelve wear an approved helmet on a bicycle?

   Correct answer: Whether operating the bike or riding as a passenger

   A child under twelve must wear a properly fitted, securely fastened helmet whether operating the bicycle or riding as a passenger.

   Source: Louisiana Class D & E Driver's Guide, Ch. 5 - Bicycling Safety

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

   Correct answer: At least four seconds

   You should allow at least a four-second following distance behind a motorcycle, and even more in wet conditions.

   Source: Louisiana Class D & E Driver's Guide, Ch. 5 - Sharing the Road with Motorcycles

10. 10. You must yield to a bicyclist at an intersection in the same way you would for whom?

    Correct answer: As you would for pedestrians and other vehicles

    You are required to yield to bicyclists at intersections just as you would for pedestrians and other vehicles.

    Source: Louisiana Class D & E Driver's Guide, Ch. 5 - Driving Safely Near Bicyclists

11. 11. How much of a traffic lane is a motorcycle entitled to use?

    Correct answer: The full width of the lane

    A motorcycle is allowed the full width of a lane to maneuver, so you should not try to share the lane with one.

    Source: Louisiana Class D & E Driver's Guide, Ch. 5 - Sharing the Road with Motorcycles

12. 12. When you approach a horse being ridden or led along the road, what should you avoid doing?

    Correct answer: Sounding the horn or revving the engine loudly

    You should not sound your horn or rev your engine loudly, because the noise could frighten the horse and cause a collision.

    Source: Louisiana Class D & E Driver's Guide, Ch. 7 - Slow Moving Vehicles