Michigan permit test: sharing the road
Emergency and maintenance vehicles, school buses, commercial vehicles, slow-moving vehicles, pedestrians, children, motorcycles, mopeds, bicyclists and autocycles. 23 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember10 key sharing the road rulesShow the rules
- Never pass a moving emergency vehicle with flashing lights unless directed to by its driver or a law enforcement officer. (p. 42)
- Stay at least 500 feet behind any moving emergency vehicle with flashing lights and a siren. (p. 42)
- Never cross behind a commercial vehicle preparing to back up or backing up; its trailer can hide your car from the driver. (p. 67)
- A commercial vehicle traveling at 55 mph needs about 400 feet to stop, about three times a car's distance. (p. 67)
- Slow to 15-20 mph and stay at least 20 feet behind a horse and rider or buggy; never honk or rev the engine. (p. 68)
- Slow-moving vehicles cannot go faster than 25 mph, such as buggies and farm machinery. (p. 68)
- Never pass a vehicle that has stopped for a pedestrian; a pedestrian may be crossing out of your view. (p. 68)
- You are required by law to stop or yield to a pedestrian with a white cane or guide dog, and to avoid honking or revving. (p. 69)
- Michigan law requires at least 3 feet between your vehicle and a bicyclist when passing; some cities require 5 feet. (p. 71)
- Bicyclists are not required to use a bicycle lane and may leave it to turn left or avoid hazards. (p. 71)
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample sharing the road questions
1.At 55 mph, a car can stop in about 130 feet. About how far does a loaded commercial vehicle need at the same speed?
- AAbout 150 feet
- BAbout 400 feet
- CAbout 800 feet
- DAbout 250 feet
Show the answer
✓ B. About 400 feet
A commercial vehicle traveling at 55 mph needs about 400 feet to stop, about three times a car's distance.
Source: What Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133) (October 2025), page 67
2.You are in a no-passing zone behind a slow bicyclist, and the oncoming lane is clear. May you pass the bicyclist?
- ANo, never in a no-passing zone
- BYes, if it is safe to do so
- COnly by using the shoulder
- DOnly if the cyclist waves you on
Show the answer
✓ B. Yes, if it is safe to do so
Michigan allows you to pass a bicyclist in a no-passing zone as long as it is safe.
Source: What Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133) (October 2025), page 71
3.A bicyclist leaves the bike lane to move into your lane before a left turn. Is the bicyclist allowed to do this?
- AOnly if no cars are near
- BYes, bicyclists may leave it to turn left
- CNo, cyclists must stay in bike lanes
- DOnly on weekends
Show the answer
✓ B. Yes, bicyclists may leave it to turn left
Bicyclists are not required to use a bicycle lane and may leave it to turn left or avoid hazards.
Source: What Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133) (October 2025), page 71
4.A motorcyclist is riding on the left side of your lane. May you pull up beside them in the same lane?
- ANo, that is illegal
- BYes, there is room
- COnly on a freeway
- DYes, if you go slowly
Show the answer
✓ A. No, that is illegal
It is illegal for motorists to drive beside a motorcyclist or pass one in the same lane; pass using an adjacent lane.
Source: What Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133) (October 2025), page 70