Idaho permit test: sharing the road
Emergency vehicles, pedestrians and children, horseback riders, bicyclists, motorcycles and large vehicles. 27 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember10 key sharing the road rulesShow the rules
- When an emergency vehicle with siren or flashing lights approaches, pull to the nearest right curb or edge and stop until it has passed. (p. 95)
- Pedestrians crossing with no crosswalk should yield to vehicles, but drivers must still stop and let them finish crossing. (p. 96)
- When passing a bicyclist, move into the next lane if you can; otherwise leave at least 3 feet, more at higher speeds. (p. 98)
- Riders on horseback have the same rights as drivers. (p. 98)
- On some narrow stretches, bicyclists must ride in the center of the lane for safety. (p. 100)
- A sharrow is a marking in the travel lane showing where bicyclists should preferably ride. (p. 101)
- Allow more than three seconds of following distance behind a motorcycle so you both have time to maneuver or stop. (p. 104)
- Large vehicles have blind spots behind and on each side. (p. 105)
- A loaded truck with good brakes needs about 450 feet to stop from 55 mph on a dry road, so give large vehicles extra room. (p. 105)
- Vehicles carrying hazardous materials must stop at all railroad crossings, so be ready to stop behind them. (p. 106)
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample sharing the road questions
1.An ambulance with its siren on comes up behind you. What must you do?
- APull to the right edge and stop until it passes
- BPull to the left and keep driving slowly
- CSpeed up to stay ahead of it
- DStop right where you are in your lane
Show the answer
✓ A. Pull to the right edge and stop until it passes
When an emergency vehicle with siren or flashing lights approaches, pull to the nearest right curb or edge and stop until it has passed.
2.A bicyclist reaches a stop sign in Idaho, and no other traffic is near. What does Idaho law require of the cyclist?
- ANothing, since bikes ignore stop signs
- BA full stop, just like a car
- CWalking the bike across the street
- DYield, but a full stop is not required
Show the answer
✓ D. Yield, but a full stop is not required
In Idaho, bicyclists don't have to come to a complete stop at stop signs, but they must yield to vehicles in or near the intersection and go with caution.
3.A motorcycle is riding on the far left side of a wide lane. May you drive in the same lane beside it?
- AYes, if the rider waves you on
- BYes, if you stay to the right
- CNo, motorcycles get the full lane
- DYes, if the lane is wide enough
Show the answer
✓ C. No, motorcycles get the full lane
Motorcycles are entitled to the full width of a lane. Never move into the same lane alongside one, even if the rider is far to one side.
4.On a short, narrow stretch of road, a bicyclist is riding in the center of the lane. What should you do?
- ABe patient and don't follow too closely
- BHonk so the cyclist moves right
- CSqueeze past within the lane
- DTailgate so the cyclist speeds up
Show the answer
✓ A. Be patient and don't follow too closely
On some narrow stretches, bicyclists must ride in the center of the lane for safety. Be patient, don't follow closely and pass only when safe.