Driver's License Test Prep
California Practice Passing

A motorcycle is ahead of you in the same lane. May you pass it in that lane?

  1. A.
    Yes, if the motorcycle is riding to one side and there is room
  2. B.
    No, never pass a motorcycle in the same lane Correct
  3. C.
    Yes, but only at speeds under 25 mph
The Why

The answer is "No, never pass a motorcycle in the same lane"

Never try to pass a motorcycle in the same lane as you. Drivers who see extra pavement beside a motorcycle riding to one side pick option A. The manual reserves the full lane for the motorcyclist regardless of where the rider positions themselves.

Why the others miss

The traps in the wrong answers

A. Yes, if the motorcycle is riding to one side and there is room

The manual bans same-lane passing regardless of how much room appears to be available. This answer treats a motorcycle as a bicyclist that can be squeezed past, ignoring the full-lane rule reserved for riders.

C. Yes, but only at speeds under 25 mph

There is no low-speed exception; the ban on same-lane passing applies at any speed. This answer imagines a slow-speed carve-out borrowed from parking-lot lane sharing, which the manual does not provide.

The Rule

This question tests your knowledge of Passing in California. Source: California Driver Manual, "Motorcycles," p.44..

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