When riding in a group and you need to pass a slower vehicle, it is recommended to:

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

When riding in a group and you need to pass a slower vehicle, it is recommended to:

1. Pass in a double-file formation. 
2. Pass one at a time.
3. Pass in a staggered formation. 
4. Use the shoulder to pass. 

Find the answer to this question and an explanation below. 

Answer

This topic may show up on your motorcycle permit test. 

The answer is: B. Pass one at a time.

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

Explanation: Group Riding and Passing in Formation

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 riding in a group, a staggered formation is recommended in most cases. However, there are times when the group of riders will need to take on different formations in order to safely complete certain maneuvers. 

One of the times when you’ll need to break formation to complete a maneuver is when passing another vehicle. 

On two-lane highways, it is recommended that the group pass the slower vehicle one at a time. 

In order to pass another vehicle safely when riding with a group:

• The lead rider should pull out and pass the vehicle when there is enough space to do so. 
• After passing, the lead rider should return to their position on the left side of the lane. 
• When there is a chance to safely pass, the next riders should follow and return to their original positions. 

This method of passing other vehicles ensures that each rider is able to complete the pass safely and return to their position in the lane and in the formation with adequate space and following distance. 

Holding formation to pass or returning to different positions can create a situation where the riders don’t have enough of a space cushion and following distance. 

It is safest to wait until each individual rider has a chance to pass safely and to keep the original formation. 

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.