Trucks, pedestrians, motorcycles and bicycles

Key points

1. A passenger vehicle at 55 mph stops in about 130 feet; a commercial vehicle takes about 400 feet.

   Source: Handbook p. 53

   “A passenger vehicle traveling at 55 mph can stop in about 130 feet. A commercial vehicle traveling at the same speed takes about 400 feet to stop.”
   What Every Driver Must Know, Handbook p. 53

2. Stay out of a truck's no zones, the blind spots where the driver cannot see you.

   Source: Handbook p. 53

   ““No zones” are spaces in which motorists should not linger because they are not readily visible to the commercial driver.”
   What Every Driver Must Know, Handbook p. 53

3. When passing a truck, wait until you see its entire cab in your rearview mirror before pulling back in.

   Source: Handbook p. 54

   “As you pass, be sure you can see the entire cab of the truck in your rearview mirror before signaling and pulling back into the lane.”
   What Every Driver Must Know, Handbook p. 54

4. Slow moving vehicles, like Amish buggies and farm machinery, cannot go faster than 25 mph.

   Source: Handbook p. 54

   “Slow-moving vehicles are those that cannot travel faster than 25 mph. Examples include Amish buggies, farm machinery such as combines and tractors pulling trailers or wagons, and industrial and construction equipment.”
   What Every Driver Must Know, Handbook p. 54

5. Behind a horse or buggy, slow to 15 to 20 mph and stay at least 20 feet back.

   Source: Handbook p. 54

   “reduce your speed to 15-20 mph and maintain a safe distance of at least 20 feet between your vehicle and the rider or buggy so as not to spook the horse.”
   What Every Driver Must Know, Handbook p. 54

6. Even with a green light, yield to people crossing, and never pass a vehicle stopped for a pedestrian.

   Source: Handbook p. 54

   “Even if you have a green light, you must yield to people crossing the street or intersection. Never attempt to pass another vehicle that has stopped for a pedestrian.”
   What Every Driver Must Know, Handbook p. 54

7. You must stop or yield for a pedestrian with a white cane or guide dog.

   Source: Handbook p. 55

   “You are required by law to stop or yield the right of way for a pedestrian with a white cane or guide dog.”
   What Every Driver Must Know, Handbook p. 55

8. Leave at least 3 or 4 seconds behind a motorcyclist, scooter operator or bicyclist; tailgating is illegal.

   Source: Handbook p. 55

   “Tailgating is illegal. Leave at least 3 or 4 seconds of travel space between your vehicle and a motorcyclist, scooter operator or bicyclist.”
   What Every Driver Must Know, Handbook p. 55

9. It is illegal to drive beside or pass a motorcyclist in the same lane.

   Source: Handbook p. 56

   “It is illegal for motorists to drive beside motorcyclists or pass them in the same lane.”
   What Every Driver Must Know, Handbook p. 56

10. Leave at least 3 feet when passing a bicyclist.

    Source: Handbook p. 57

    “Michigan law requires that you leave at least 3 feet of space between your vehicle and a bicyclist when passing.”
    What Every Driver Must Know, Handbook p. 57

Numbers to know

Recognize these signs

3 questions from the Michigan practice test

1. 1. How far does a passenger vehicle at 55 mph need to stop compared with a commercial vehicle, according to the Michigan manual?

   1. About 400 feet for both
   2. About 50 feet and 100 feet
   3. About 130 feet for a car and about 400 feet for a commercial vehicle
   4. About 1,000 feet for the truck
   Show answer

   About 130 feet for a car and about 400 feet for a commercial vehicle. A passenger vehicle traveling at 55 mph can stop in about 130 feet, while a commercial vehicle at the same speed takes about 400 feet to stop. Keep a safe distance behind a commercial vehicle, do not draft off it, and never cut in front and brake. Slow moving vehicles, which cannot exceed 25 mph, need extra patience as well.

2. 2. What is the proper way to follow a horse and rider or a horse-drawn buggy?

   1. Reduce speed to 15 to 20 mph, keep at least 20 feet back, and never honk or rev
   2. Follow at the posted speed and sound the horn before passing
   3. Move within five feet so the horse sees you sooner
   4. Rev the engine briefly to make the rider move aside
   Show answer

   Reduce speed to 15 to 20 mph, keep at least 20 feet back, and never honk or rev. Michigan gives a specific approach for horses: reduce speed to 15 to 20 mph and maintain at least 20 feet between your vehicle and the rider or buggy. Loud sounds can startle an animal, so the manual prohibits honking or revving the engine. Passing should wait until it can be done cautiously and safely. Following at the posted speed ignores the special hazard, and moving closer reduces the rider's time to react. The cue is low speed, a generous gap, and quiet vehicle operation.

3. 3. Before turning right, what should a driver look for behind the vehicle?

   1. Only a vehicle already stopped ahead
   2. Bicyclists riding from behind on the road shoulder or in a bike lane
   3. A vehicle parked on the opposite shoulder
   4. Only a pedestrian on the sidewalk
   Show answer

   Bicyclists riding from behind on the road shoulder or in a bike lane. Before a right turn, scan behind the vehicle for bicyclists on the shoulder or in a bike lane. A rider can be approaching from a position that is easy to miss, especially near a driveway or intersection. Looking only for a stopped vehicle or a person on the sidewalk leaves the bicycle conflict unchecked. If a bicyclist is present, yield and let the rider pass before turning. Signal, slow down, and make the turn only after the side and rear path are clear.

Source: the What Every Driver Must Know, Chapter 6: 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.