California DMV Motorcycle Knowledge Test (M1)Lane Position and VisibilityMedium
When approaching an intersection with a parked car on your right, what is the best lane position for a motorcyclist to take?
- AThe leftmost portion of the lane.
- BThe center portion of the lane.
- CThe rightmost portion of the lane, close to the parked car.
- DDirectly behind the parked car.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. The leftmost portion of the lane.
Positioning yourself in the leftmost portion of the lane creates a significant buffer zone between your motorcycle and the parked car. This provides maximum space to react if a door opens suddenly, a pedestrian steps out, or the car pulls away without warning.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. The center position offers some buffer, but not as much as the leftmost portion when a hazard is on the right.
- C. Riding too close to a parked car is extremely dangerous due to sudden opening doors or pedestrians.
- D. Riding directly behind a parked car is unsafe as it blocks your view of the road ahead and the car could suddenly pull out.
Parked Car Hazard Zone
The area around a parked car where unexpected hazards (e.g., opening doors, pedestrians stepping out, car pulling away) can occur, requiring motorcyclists to maintain ample space.
- Maintain a wide buffer from parked cars.
- Anticipate sudden door openings.
- Watch for pedestrians and vehicles pulling out.
Memory trick: Parked cars are danger, give them space, avoid the stranger.