When passing a row of parked cars on your motorcycle, you should:

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

When passing a row of parked cars on your motorcycle, you should:

1. Stay towards the left or center of the lane.
2. Stay towards the center or right of the lane.
3. Always stay towards the left of the lane.
4. Always stay towards the right of the lane.

Find the answer to this question and an explanation below. 

Answer

This topic may show up on your motorcycle permit test. 

The answer is: A. Stay towards the left or center of the lane.

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

Explanation: Passing Parked Cars

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 passing a row of cars parked along the side of the road, the safest lane positions will be either the left position or the center position of the lane. 

When there is no oncoming traffic, the left portion of the lane will generally be the safest. 

When there are oncoming vehicles, riding in the center portion of the lane will give you the biggest space cushion between both hazards. 

Some of the biggest potential hazards when passing parked cars include:

• Drivers opening their doors. 
• Drivers walking between cars. 
• Drivers pulling into the street without looking. 
• Drivers making a sudden u-turn from a parallel parking space. 

Use extra caution when passing parked cars. If you see someone in the driver’s seat, be prepared for them to open their door or pull out in front of you. 

Be prepared to honk your horn to alert the driver and then take the necessary steps to avoid a collision by stopping, slowing down, or maneuvering out of the way. 

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.