Sharing the road: motorcycles, bicycles and blind spots: Texas DPS written test practice
Rules to understand before practicing
Expect people on foot, bicycles and motorcycles to be harder to see than cars. Check for cyclists before turning or opening a door. Do not stay beside a truck where its driver cannot see you in the mirrors. Allow large vehicles room to turn, and remember that their stopping distance can be longer. A common mistake is assuming a cyclist must always stay at the edge of the road: road width, hazards and turning movements can require a different position.
9 free practice questions on sharing the road: motorcycles, bicycles and blind spots for the Texas DPS written knowledge test, each with the correct answer and a short explanation. Study them here, then check yourself in the interactive quiz or the exam simulator.
1. Is "lane splitting"—riding a motorcycle between rows of cars in traffic—allowed in Texas?
Yes, it is expressly permitted by law
✓ No, it is illegal in Texas, as in most states
Permitted only at night on highways
Only allowed for patrol motorcycles
Explanation: California is the only US state where lane splitting is expressly legal. In Texas, as in most other states, riding between rows of cars in traffic is illegal.
5. Be sure to check your blind spots by turning your head before:
Only when changing lanes on the freeway
✓ Changing lanes, turning, pulling out of a parking space, and backing up
Backing up only
This isn't necessary if the mirrors are working
Explanation: You should check your blind spots before changing lanes, turning at an intersection, pulling out onto the road, and backing up—mirrors alone aren't enough.
6. Before opening the door of a car parked at the curb, you should:
Just open the door as usual
✓ Check your mirror and blind spot for cyclists or cars
Honk the horn
Turn on your hazard lights and get out immediately
Explanation: Opening a door into traffic is a common cause of collisions with cyclists; always check your mirror and blind spot before opening the door.
8. If a faster car is catching up to you and "tailgating" you, the correct response is:
Slam on the brakes to teach them a lesson
✓ Maintain your speed and, if possible, move over to the right to let them pass
Speed up to pull ahead
Repeatedly tap the brake to flash your brake lights at them
Explanation: The best way to respond to a “tailgater” is to maintain a steady speed and change lanes at the first opportunity, without braking suddenly or accelerating.
9. If an emergency vehicle is approaching from behind with its siren and flashing lights on, you should:
Continue driving as usual
✓ Move close to the right edge and stop, letting it pass
Brake hard while staying in your lane
Speed up to clear the way ahead of time
Explanation: If you see an emergency vehicle with its siren and flashing lights on, pull over to the right side of the road and stop until it has passed, unless a traffic officer instructs you otherwise.