Trucks, motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians

Key points

1. A fully loaded tractor trailer may need more than 400 feet to stop on dry pavement.

   Source: Handbook p. 31

   “A fully-loaded tractor-trailer may take more than 400 feet on dry pavement to come to a complete stop, or more than the length of a football field.”
   North Dakota Noncommercial Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 31

2. A truck's No Zones reach up to 20 feet in front of the cab and up to 200 feet behind.

   Source: Handbook p. 31

   “up to 20 feet in front of the cab, on either side of the tractor-trailer, particularly alongside the cab, and up to 200 feet in the rear.”
   North Dakota Noncommercial Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 31

3. If you cannot see the truck driver in the side mirror, the driver cannot see you.

   Source: Handbook p. 32

   ““If you can’t see the truck driver in his or her side mirror, he or she can’t see you.””
   North Dakota Noncommercial Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 32

4. Never linger beside a truck; pass completely and always on the left.

   Source: Handbook p. 32

   “Don’t linger alongside a truck when passing. Always pass a tractor-trailer completely and always on the left side.”
   North Dakota Noncommercial Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 32

5. About half of motorcycle crashes involve another vehicle, and nearly 40 percent come from a vehicle turning left in front of the rider.

   Source: Handbook p. 32

   “Approximately one-half of all motorcycle crashes involve another motor vehicle. Nearly 40 percent were caused by the other vehicle turning left in front of the motorcyclist.”
   North Dakota Noncommercial Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 32

6. Allow a motorcycle a full lane width; do not share the lane.

   Source: Handbook p. 32

   “Allow the motorcyclist a full lane width.”
   North Dakota Noncommercial Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 32

7. Leave at least three feet when passing a bicyclist.

   Source: Handbook p. 33

   “The individual operating the motor vehicle is required to leave a minimum of three feet of passing space between the vehicle and bicycle.”
   North Dakota Noncommercial Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 33

8. At night, pedestrians should walk facing traffic and wear light or white clothing.

   Source: Handbook p. 38

   “When you walk at night, walk facing traffic and wear light or white clothing.”
   North Dakota Noncommercial Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 38

9. A pedestrian who has not started crossing must not start on a flashing Don't Walk signal.

   Source: Handbook p. 37

   “Do not start to cross the roadway on a flashing “Don’t Walk” signal.”
   North Dakota Noncommercial Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 37

Numbers to know

3 questions from the North Dakota practice test

1. 1. How far may a fully loaded tractor trailer need to stop on dry pavement, according to the North Dakota manual?

   1. About 100 feet
   2. About 200 feet
   3. More than 400 feet, longer than a football field
   4. About 50 feet
   Show answer

   More than 400 feet, longer than a football field. Tractor trailers take longer to stop than a car traveling at the same speed, and a fully loaded tractor trailer may take more than 400 feet on dry pavement to come to a complete stop, more than the length of a football field. Never cut in front of a truck and brake, and stay out of the blind spots on its sides and rear so the driver can take evasive action.

2. 2. What causes nearly 40 percent of motorcycle crashes that involve another vehicle, according to the North Dakota manual?

   1. The motorcycle speeding
   2. The other vehicle turning left in front of the motorcyclist
   3. Motorcycle brake failure
   4. Wet pavement
   Show answer

   The other vehicle turning left in front of the motorcyclist. Approximately one half of all motorcycle crashes involve another motor vehicle, and nearly 40 percent of those were caused by the other vehicle turning left in front of the motorcyclist. Motorcycles have a much smaller profile and are easy to miss in a quick glance, and their speed and distance are hard to judge. Look twice for motorcycles before every left turn.

3. 3. When passing a bicyclist on a North Dakota roadway, what minimum space must the driver leave?

   1. At least two feet of space
   2. At least four feet of space
   3. At least three feet of space
   4. At least six feet of space
   Show answer

   At least three feet of space. North Dakota requires the motor vehicle operator to leave a minimum of three feet between the vehicle and bicycle while passing. The two-foot option leaves less room than the stated safety margin, while four and six feet exceed the legal minimum rather than identify it. A useful roadside cue is to picture a full bicycle length of lateral breathing room before moving alongside the rider. Passing also requires safe road and traffic conditions, and the driver should check over the shoulder before returning to normal position. Inclement weather calls for extra room beyond the minimum.

Source: the North Dakota Noncommercial Driver License Manual, Driving Skills and Emergency Situations. 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.