WA DMV Sharing the Road 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A bicyclist ahead of you extends their left arm straight out. What are they signaling?
- A left turn (Correct answer)
- A right turn
- Slowing or stopping
- A request for you to pass
Correct answer: A left turn
A left arm extended straight out is the standard hand signal for a left turn.
Question 2: You are turning right across a bike lane at an intersection. What is the correct procedure?
- Signal, check for bicyclists, and yield to any rider in the bike lane before turning (Correct answer)
- Turn quickly before any bicyclist reaches the intersection
- Stop permanently in the bike lane to block riders
- Honk so bicyclists know to stop for you
Correct answer: Signal, check for bicyclists, and yield to any rider in the bike lane before turning
Drivers must signal, check mirrors and blind spots, and yield to bicyclists in the bike lane before crossing it to turn.
Question 3: When is it legal to drive alongside a motorcycle in the same lane?
- Never, because a motorcycle is entitled to the full width of its lane (Correct answer)
- Whenever the motorcycle rides on the far right of the lane
- Only during daylight hours
- Only when traffic is moving slower than 25 mph
Correct answer: Never, because a motorcycle is entitled to the full width of its lane
Motorcycles are entitled to the full lane, so cars may not share the same lane side by side with them.
Question 4: You see a slow-moving vehicle emblem, an orange triangle with a red border, on a vehicle ahead. What does it mean?
- The vehicle typically travels at 25 mph or less (Correct answer)
- The vehicle is carrying hazardous materials
- The vehicle is an oversized load requiring an escort
- The vehicle is a student driver
Correct answer: The vehicle typically travels at 25 mph or less
The orange triangular emblem marks slow-moving vehicles such as farm equipment that travel at 25 mph or less.
Question 5: At night, a large truck ahead of you is climbing a hill slowly. What is the safest way to handle passing?
- Wait until you have a clear legal passing zone and can see far enough ahead (Correct answer)
- Pass immediately using the shoulder
- Flash your high beams until the truck pulls over
- Follow within one car length so you can pass instantly
Correct answer: Wait until you have a clear legal passing zone and can see far enough ahead
Passing a long vehicle takes extra time and distance, so you must wait for a legal zone with ample visibility.
Question 6: A horse rider is on the roadway ahead. What does Washington law require you to do?
- Slow down, give them plenty of room, and avoid startling the animal (Correct answer)
- Honk to warn the rider you are approaching
- Pass closely at your normal speed
- Stop and wait until the horse leaves the road entirely
Correct answer: Slow down, give them plenty of room, and avoid startling the animal
Horses can be startled by vehicles, so drivers must slow down, pass with ample space, and avoid loud noises.
Question 7: Why do motorcycles often adjust their position within a lane?
- To avoid road hazards, be more visible, and dodge debris or slick spots (Correct answer)
- Because they are required to weave to stay balanced
- To signal drivers behind them to pass
- Because lane position has no effect on motorcycle safety
Correct answer: To avoid road hazards, be more visible, and dodge debris or slick spots
Riders shift lane position to avoid hazards like oil, gravel, and grooves and to stay visible to other drivers.
WA DMV Sharing the Road 3
A bicyclist ahead of you extends their left arm straight out.
What are they signaling?