You are behind a motorcycle traveling in your lane and want to pass. What does the manual require?
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A.
Change lanes and pass as you would a larger motor vehicle. Correct
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B.
Pass to the left in the same lane, two feet clear of the rider.
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C.
Flash your lights to tell the rider to move right.
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D.
Wait until the motorcyclist signals that it is safe.
The answer is "Change lanes and pass as you would a larger motor vehicle."
The manual treats a motorcycle like a larger motor vehicle for passing: you must change lanes rather than slip by in the same lane. Two feet of clearance to the left does not satisfy the motorcycle-specific requirement; that two-foot rule is written for mopeds, and drivers who carry it over to motorcycles pick option B.
The traps in the wrong answers
B. Pass to the left in the same lane, two feet clear of the rider.
Motorcycles are entitled to the full width of their lane, so a full lane change is required; two feet of clearance alone does not satisfy the motorcycle rule. Applies the two-feet-to-the-left rule the manual writes for mopeds to motorcycles.
C. Flash your lights to tell the rider to move right.
The passing driver carries the responsibility; the manual does not direct motorcyclists to clear a path. Treats the motorcycle as a slow obstacle the rider should step aside for, a habit carried over from passing bicyclists on narrow shoulders.
D. Wait until the motorcyclist signals that it is safe.
The manual never gives motorcyclists authority to issue a clear-to-pass signal; the pass decision rests with the following driver. Carries the lead-driver permission idea from everyday driving, where friendly waves commonly stand in for the law.
This question tests your knowledge of Passing in North Carolina. Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, "Chapter 6, Motorcycles and Mopeds," p.92..
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