Washington Motorcycle practice
Washington Motorcycle: Lane Position & Sharing the Road practice test
Where to position yourself in the lane to be seen, managing blind spots, and sharing the road safely with cars and trucks.
Content reviewed against official driver handbooks · August 12, 2026
11 questions · pass with 9 correct. You get instant feedback and an explanation after every answer.
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Study questions with answers
11 sample Lane Position & Sharing the Road questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.
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1. What is a disadvantage of riding in the left portion of your lane?
Correct answer: It puts you closer to oncoming traffic and wind blasts
Riding in the left position places you closer to oncoming traffic and can expose you to wind blasts from oncoming vehicles and trucks.
Source: Washington Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Strategies for the Street: Lane Position
2. What is one advantage of riding in the left portion of your lane?
Correct answer: It may let you see around the vehicle ahead and be seen better
The left lane position can help you see around the vehicle ahead and helps other drivers, including the one ahead, notice you.
Source: Washington Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Strategies for the Street: Lane Position
3. How does a three-wheeler's size affect its lane-position choices compared with a two-wheeler?
Correct answer: Three-wheelers are more limited in lane position because of their size
Because of their larger size, most three-wheelers have more limited lane-position choices than two-wheelers, though small shifts still help.
Source: Washington Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Strategies for the Street: Lane Position
4. What should you do about other vehicles' blind spots?
Correct answer: Recognize and move out of them
Recognize where other vehicles' blind spots are and move out of them so drivers can see you.
Source: Washington Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Strategies for the Street: Being Visible
5. Before changing lanes, in addition to using your mirrors, what should you do to check your blind spot?
Correct answer: Check over your shoulder for vehicles in the blind spot
Glance over your shoulder to make sure your blind spot is clear of any vehicle before moving into another lane.
Source: Washington Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Strategies for the Street: Changing Lanes
6. What does Washington law allow regarding two motorcycles traveling in the same lane?
Correct answer: Two motorcycles may ride side by side in a single lane
Two motorcycles may legally ride side by side within one lane, though doing so cuts into each rider's space cushion.
Source: Washington Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Strategies for the Street: Give Each Other Space
7. When choosing your speed and lane position at an intersection, what should guide your choice?
Correct answer: The position that best lets you see and be seen
Pick a speed and position that maximize your ability to see and be seen while accounting for surface and traffic conditions.
Source: Washington Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Strategies for the Street: Intersections
8. What does Washington law say about riding between lanes of traffic (lane splitting)?
Correct answer: It is prohibited
Riding between lanes, known as lane splitting, is against the law in Washington, as is riding on the shoulder.
Source: Washington Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Strategies for the Street: Lane Choice
9. Where does most of the risk in passing another vehicle come from?
Correct answer: Failing to check mirrors and blind spots
The risk in passing generally comes from failing to check your mirrors and blind spots.
Source: Washington Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Strategies for the Street: Passing
10. As you set up to pass another vehicle, where should you position yourself first?
Correct answer: Shift toward the left portion of your lane to widen your view
Shift toward the left portion of your lane so you can see farther ahead before beginning a pass.
Source: Washington Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Strategies for the Street: Passing
11. Why does the manual recommend switching lanes fairly frequently in traffic?
Correct answer: To address changing conditions and keep an adequate safety margin
Moving between lanes as conditions shift lets you preserve a good cushion of time and room around your bike.
Source: Washington Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Strategies for the Street: Lane Choice
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