California DMV Permit Test (Class C)Safe Driving PracticesEasy
You are driving on a two-lane road and need to make a left turn at an upcoming intersection. A bicyclist is riding in the bike lane to your left, slightly ahead of you. What should you do?
- AHonk your horn to alert the bicyclist and then proceed with your left turn.
- BSpeed up to pass the bicyclist quickly and then make your left turn.
- CSignal your left turn and turn in front of the bicyclist, as vehicles have the right-of-way.
- DSignal your left turn, slow down, and yield to the bicyclist before completing your turn.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Signal your left turn, slow down, and yield to the bicyclist before completing your turn.
When making a left turn, you must yield to any oncoming traffic, including bicyclists, who are lawfully within the intersection or an adjacent lane. Signaling and slowing down allows the bicyclist to proceed safely.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Honking is not a substitute for yielding and could startle the bicyclist.
- B. Speeding up is dangerous and could lead to a collision with the bicyclist.
- C. Vehicles do not always have the right-of-way over bicyclists, especially when turning across their path.
Yielding to Bicyclists
When making a turn, especially a left turn across a bike lane or a right turn into a bike lane, drivers must yield to bicyclists.
- Bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as vehicle drivers.
- Always check blind spots for bicyclists before turning or changing lanes.
- Give bicyclists at least 3 feet of space when passing.
Memory trick: Bicyclists are like smaller, quieter cars; treat them with equal respect and space.