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Motorcycle Lane Positions: Which is Best?

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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

What is the best lane position for a motorcycle?

  1. The left portion of the lane.
  2. The center portion of the lane.
  3. The right portion of the lane. 
  4. It depends on the current circumstances. 

Find the answer to this question and an explanation below. 

Answer

This topic may show up on your motorcycle permit test. 

The answer is: D. It depends on the current circumstances. 

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

Explanation: Motorcycle Lane Positions

Motorcycle Lane Positions

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. 

Due to their smaller size, motorcycles have the options of 3 different positions in any given traffic lane. 

The lane positions a motorcyclists can choose from include:

  • The left side of the lane.
  • The center of the lane.
  • The right side of the lane. 

There is no single best lane position. The best position will vary depending on the current situation and potential hazards you may face. 

However, there are some general rules of thumb to help you decide on which lane position is the best. The ideal lane position should:

  • Increase your ability to see the road around you. 
  • Increase the ability of other drivers to see you clearly. 
  • Keep you out of the blind spots of other drivers. 
  • Allow you to avoid road surface hazards. 
  • Allow you to communicate your intentions with other drivers. 
  • Allow you to avoid blasts of wind from other vehicles. 
  • Provide you with escape routes if you need to avoid a hazard. 
  • Set you up properly for any turns. 

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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