Street Riding, Traffic Interaction, and Hazard Avoidance
What the exam tests
This domain covers riding in real traffic: lane position, following distance, intersections, passing, group riding, and reading hazards such as gravel, rain, and railroad tracks. The exam wants defensive decisions, not just bike-handling.
Core rules
- Use the three-second following rule in good conditions; add time in rain, at night, or behind large vehicles.
- Ride in the left third of your lane when it improves visibility and escape options; the center often holds oil drips and debris.
- The biggest intersection threat is an oncoming vehicle turning left across your path. Cover the brakes, adjust speed and lane position, and prepare an escape path.
- Stay out of blind spots; if you cannot see a driver's mirrors, the driver likely cannot see you.
- Louisiana prohibits lane splitting. Do not ride between lanes of moving traffic.
- In a group, use a staggered formation and single file in curves or tight spaces; do not ride more than two abreast in a lane.
- Cross railroad tracks at about a right angle, and slow before gravel, sand, or wet painted lines.
- Use SIPDE: Scan, Identify, Predict, Decide, Execute.
Worked example
You approach an intersection and an oncoming car has its left turn signal on. Do you assume it will wait? No. The safe response is to reduce speed, cover both brakes, move to a lane position that makes you more visible and gives an escape route, and be ready to stop or swerve. The reasoning is that left-turn violations are a leading motorcycle crash pattern, and your best defense is space and time.
Traps
Riding in the oily center of the lane; tailgating; lingering beside a car; assuming a signal means the driver saw you; lane splitting; and crossing railroad tracks at a shallow angle.