Street Riding and Traffic Strategies
Street strategy
This domain tests how you choose lane position, following distance, and visibility in traffic. The exam focuses on being seen, seeing hazards early, and leaving an escape path.
Core rules
- Scan far and near. Use the SIPDE process: Search, Identify, Predict, Decide, Execute. Look 12 seconds ahead in town and farther on open roads.
- Lane position. Ride in the tire track, not the oily center strip. Use the left portion to see and be seen, but move right when an oncoming vehicle may turn across your path.
- Following distance. Keep at least a 2-second gap; add a second for rain, darkness, or gravel. At stops, leave room to escape.
- Blind spots. Do not ride beside a car's door or in its mirror blind spot. Accelerate through blind spots or hang back.
- Intersections. Cover the brakes and check left, right, and left again. A vehicle waiting to turn left across your path is a top motorcycle crash threat.
Worked example
You approach an intersection and see a car waiting to turn left. The driver looks at you, but the front wheels begin to roll. Correct response: do not assume eye contact means the driver saw you. Reduce speed, move to the right portion of your lane, cover both brakes, and prepare to stop or swerve.
Traps that cost marks
Trusting eye contact; tailgating to claim the lane; riding in the center oil strip; lingering in blind spots; and passing a truck on the right just as it begins a wide right turn.