Key points
Florida law requires at least three feet of clearance when passing a bicyclist.
Source: Handbook p. 81
“Florida law requires that you give bicyclists a minimum of three feet of clearance and use caution/slow speed when driving next to or passing them.”
Official Florida Driver License Handbook, Handbook p. 81When crossing a bike lane to turn, yield to any bicyclist and turn behind them.
Source: Handbook p. 81
“When you must cross into a bike lane to make a turn, yield to any bicyclist and make your turn behind the bicyclist.”
Official Florida Driver License Handbook, Handbook p. 81Bicyclists and passengers under 16 must wear helmets.
Source: Handbook p. 82
“All bicyclists and passengers under age 16 are required to wear helmets that meet federal safety standards.”
Official Florida Driver License Handbook, Handbook p. 82Do not tailgate a truck. You will be in its rear blind spot.
Source: Handbook p. 82
“Don’t tailgate; you’ll be in the rear blind spot and may collide with the CMV if it stops unexpectedly.”
Official Florida Driver License Handbook, Handbook p. 82Keep more than a four-second buffer between you and a motorcyclist.
Source: Handbook p. 87
“Maintain more than a four-second buffer zone between you and a motorcyclist”
Official Florida Driver License Handbook, Handbook p. 87You must not try to share a lane with a motorcycle.
Source: Handbook p. 85
“You must not attempt to share a lane with a motorcycle.”
Official Florida Driver License Handbook, Handbook p. 85Stop and stay stopped for pedestrians crossing at any marked crossing or intersection.
Source: Handbook p. 88
“You must stop and remain stopped for pedestrians crossing a street or driveway at any marked crossing, or intersection.”
Official Florida Driver License Handbook, Handbook p. 88Do not pass a vehicle that is stopped at a crosswalk to let a pedestrian cross.
Source: Handbook p. 88
“You may not overtake or pass a vehicle that's stopped at a crosswalk to allow a pedestrian to cross the roadway.”
Official Florida Driver License Handbook, Handbook p. 88Low-speed vehicles may only be driven on streets posted at 35 MPH or less.
Source: Handbook p. 85
“only be operated on streets with a posted speed limit is 35 MPH or less.”
Official Florida Driver License Handbook, Handbook p. 85
Numbers to know
| Number | What it means | Manual |
|---|---|---|
| 3 feet | minimum clearance when passing a bicyclist | Handbook p. 81 |
| 16 | age below which bike helmets are required | Handbook p. 82 |
| 4 seconds | minimum buffer behind a motorcycle | Handbook p. 87 |
| 35 MPH | maximum posted limit for low-speed vehicles | Handbook p. 85 |
3 questions from the Florida practice test
1. What minimum clearance does Florida law require when passing a bicyclist?
- Three feet
- Two feet
- A full lane
- One foot
Show answer
Three feet. Florida law requires motorists to give bicyclists a minimum of three feet of clearance and to use caution and slow speed when driving next to or passing them. On a two lane road, pass a bicyclist as you would a slow moving vehicle and only when it is safe. At intersections, assume a bicyclist is traveling straight unless the rider signals otherwise. A full lane is safer when available, but three feet is the legal minimum.
2. Why should you avoid tailgating a commercial motor vehicle?
- The truck must automatically move into your lane
- You may be in its rear blind spot and could collide with it if it stops unexpectedly
- Following closely improves your view around the truck
- A truck’s rear lights cannot be seen from behind
Show answer
You may be in its rear blind spot and could collide with it if it stops unexpectedly. Florida warns motorists not to tailgate a commercial motor vehicle because a following car can remain in the truck’s rear blind spot and may collide with it if the truck stops unexpectedly. The truck is not required to move for a close follower, and the large vehicle blocks rather than improves your view. Its rear lights are designed to be seen. Leave enough space to see the roadway, increase that gap when conditions are poor, and wait until you can see the truck’s front in your mirror before moving back into its lane.
3. When passing a motorcycle, which condition calls for more than the usual following space?
- A clean, dry road with no traffic
- A motorcycle traveling in the opposite direction
- A straight roadway with a clear shoulder
- Gusty winds or wet roads
Show answer
Gusty winds or wet roads. The handbook calls for a larger buffer around a motorcyclist when conditions can make control or stopping more difficult, including gusty winds and wet or icy pavement. A dry, open road does not create that particular need, and an oncoming motorcycle is not a reason to follow it. Keep the motorcycle in view, avoid crowding its lane, and add space whenever weather, potholes, gravel, or tracks could change its path or braking distance.
Practice this topic
Lock it in with safe driving questions from the free Florida practice test. Every answer comes with a plain English explanation.
Source: the Official Florida Driver License Handbook, Sharing the Road. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.