Home » How to Apply for a Motorcycle License » Motorcycle Permit Test Questions & Answers » Riding in the left or right portion of the lane when following behind another vehicle:
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Riding in the left or right portion of the lane when following behind another vehicle:

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Use this motorcycle practice test question to prepare for the real written exam at the DMV or during your motorcycle safety course

Riding in the left or right portion of the lane when following behind another vehicle:

  1. Will put you in the sideview mirror of the driver ahead of you, and will be your best chance of being seen.
  2. Will put you in the rearview mirror of the driver ahead of you, and will be your best chance of being seen.
  3. Will put you in the sideview mirror of the driver ahead of you, but they may not see you. 
  4. Will put you in the rearview mirror of the driver ahead of you, but they may not see you.

Find the answer to this question and an explanation below. 

Answer

This topic may show up on your motorcycle permit test. 

The answer is: C. Will put you in the sideview mirror of the driver ahead of you, but they may not see you. 

How’d you do? Learn more about this motorcycle topic below. 

Explanation: Following other Vehicles

In order to pass your motorcycle permit exams and to become a safe rider, it’s important to know why a particular answer on the motorcycle written test is correct. 

When following behind another vehicle, you should ride in the center portion of your lane so that the driver can see you inside their rearview mirror. 

Riding in the left or right portion of the lane may place you in the view of the driver’s sideview mirrors, but many drivers do not check their sideview mirrors frequently and they may not see you. 

If the situation allows for it, the center portion is typically the best place for you to be seen when following other vehicles. 

Be sure to maintain a safe following distance of at least 2 seconds in normal conditions. In poor riding conditions, increase your following distance to at least 3 seconds. 

Additionally, you should keep a space cushion around your vehicle so that you’ll have plenty of options to react to hazards ahead, behind, and around you as you ride. 

You can find more information about this topic in the motorcycle rider’s handbook.

Check out more motorcycle permit test questions and answers here.

Find in-depth articles for new riders in our section dedicated to learning how to ride a motorcycle.

Plus, check out an overview of the requirements to get a motorcycle endorsement in each state.

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Content Editor: Ethan Orenstein

Ethan is not just any motorcycle enthusiast. With a decade of experience riding, maintaining, and restoring a range of motorcycles, Ethan brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. Many of the tips and tricks shared on this site are born from hours spent wrenching on personal bikes. Paired with his experience as a journalist covering DMV & insurance topics, MotorcycleZombies.com is a must-visit site for any home-mechanic. Every article has been carefully reviewed and edited to ensure accuracy, authenticity, and simplicity - all to help bring your bike back from the dead and onto the road.

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