Sharing the Road
What to master
Sharing-the-road questions test vulnerable road users and large vehicles. Give bicyclists at least four feet of clearance when passing in Pennsylvania. Motorcyclists are entitled to a full lane - never share a lane with them. Pedestrians in a crosswalk have the right-of-way; at a crosswalk with no signal, you must stop and yield. For trucks and buses, remember no-zones: large blind spots behind, in front, and along both sides, plus the wide right-turn swing. Never pass a school bus with red lights flashing and the stop arm out - in both directions on an undivided road. Yield to emergency vehicles with sirens and lights; pull to the right and stop.
Traps the test sets
- Passing a stopped school bus: on a divided highway with a physical median, traffic on the opposite side need not stop - but on an undivided road, everyone stops.
- Following a motorcycle or bicycle too closely - the exam wants extra distance.
- Assuming a truck's turn signal means it is turning away from you; a right turn often begins with a leftward swing.
- Passing a horse-drawn buggy or cyclist without reducing speed.
Rule of thumb
When in doubt around a large vehicle, remember: if you cannot see the driver's mirrors, the driver cannot see you. Stay back and stay visible.
Worked example
A school bus on the opposite side of an undivided two-lane road activates its red lights. You must stop and remain stopped until the lights stop flashing and the arm retracts.