Rhode Island permit test: sharing the road
Lane positions, large trucks, pedestrians, visually impaired pedestrians, school buses, bicycles and dooring. 19 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember10 key sharing the road rulesShow the rules
- A lit rear plate has to be legible from 60 feet behind the car or more. (p. 52, Rhode Island Driver's Manual (April 2024) (opens the handbook))
- NHTSA warns that big trucks are four times more likely than other vehicles to get into collisions, partly because of their large blind spots. (p. 52, Rhode Island Driver's Manual (April 2024) (opens the handbook))
- Never tailgate a truck; stay at least 50 feet back if you expect the driver to see you. (p. 52, Rhode Island Driver's Manual (April 2024) (opens the handbook))
- Even when pedestrians cross the street carelessly, the driver must always yield. (p. 53, Rhode Island Driver's Manual (April 2024) (opens the handbook))
- Anyone 15 or younger riding a bicycle, or riding as a passenger, on a public road or path must wear a certified helmet. (p. 54, Rhode Island Driver's Manual (April 2024) (opens the handbook))
- Failing to yield to a visually impaired pedestrian can result in a fine of up to $1,000. (p. 54, Rhode Island Driver's Manual (April 2024) (opens the handbook))
- When a pedestrian with a white cane or guide dog is crossing, you must come to a complete stop before the intersection and yield. (p. 54, Rhode Island Driver's Manual (April 2024) (opens the handbook))
- A first violation brings a $250 to $500 fine and/or a license suspension of up to 30 days. (p. 54, Rhode Island Driver's Manual (April 2024) (opens the handbook))
- Do not drive in a bicycle lane. (p. 55, Rhode Island Driver's Manual (April 2024) (opens the handbook))
- Allow as much clearance as possible, 3 to 5 feet, when passing a bicyclist, and be ready to stop if they fall into your lane. (p. 55, Rhode Island Driver's Manual (April 2024) (opens the handbook))
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample sharing the road questions
1.What is the most you can be fined for failing to yield to a pedestrian with a visual impairment?
- A$500
- B$1,000
- C$250
- D$85
Show the answer
✓ B. $1,000
Failing to yield to a visually impaired pedestrian can result in a fine of up to $1,000.
2.You are following a truck pulling a trailer. How far behind may its rear blind spot reach?
- AOver 500 feet
- BAbout 10 feet
- COver 50 feet
- DAbout 20 feet
Show the answer
✓ C. Over 50 feet
Behind a truck pulling a trailer, the blind spot is over 50 feet long.
3.You are approaching a cyclist from behind. Why should you avoid honking?
- ACyclists can't hear horns
- BIt can startle them into swerving
- CHonking is illegal near bikes
- DIt wastes battery power
Show the answer
✓ B. It can startle them into swerving
Don't sound your horn as you approach a cyclist; the loud noise can startle them and cause them to swerve.
4.How many bicycles may ride side by side on a Rhode Island road?
- AAny number
- BNo more than 2
- CNo more than 3
- DOnly 1
Show the answer
✓ B. No more than 2
No more than two bicycles may be ridden side by side.