Hawaii Drivers Permit Practice Test

What must you do when passing a motorcycle?

1. Provide the motorcyclist the right side of his lane

2. Give the motorcyclist his entire lane as if he were a car

3. Pull to the left just enough to miss the motorcyclist

4. Not signal your intention to pass

The correct answer is: Give the motorcyclist his entire lane as if he were a car

When passing a motorcycle, it's essential to give the motorcyclist his entire lane as if he were a car. This is crucial for ensuring the safety of both the motorcyclist and the passing vehicle. Motorcycles are smaller and can easily be affected by the wind and turbulence created by larger vehicles, so providing the full lane space helps minimize these effects and prevents any potential accidents. Motorcyclists often need to maneuver within their lane for various reasons, such as avoiding road debris or adjusting for road conditions, so it's important to give them enough space to do so safely. Passing closely to a motorcycle can lead to dangerous situations, as they may be forced to swerve or lose balance. Other approaches, such as just providing the right side of their lane or merely pulling to the left enough to miss them, do not account for the need for a safe buffer zone that allows for the motorcyclist's movement. Not signaling your intention to pass would not only violate traffic laws but also poses a greater risk by failing to communicate your actions to the motorcyclist, which can lead to confusion or unexpected reactions.