Bicycles, Motorcycles, Trucks and Farm Vehicles

Key points

1. When passing a bicycle, leave at least 3 feet until you are safely past.

   Source: Handbook p. 51

   “leaving a safe distance between the motor vehicle and the bicycle of not less than 3 feet until the motor vehicle is safely past the overtaken bicycle”
   Oklahoma Driver Manual, Handbook p. 51

2. Watch for bicycle riders, especially children, turning in front of you without looking or signaling.

   Source: Handbook p. 51

   “Watch for bicycle riders turning in front of you without looking or signaling, especially if the rider is a child.”
   Oklahoma Driver Manual, Handbook p. 51

3. Two thirds of car and motorcycle crashes are caused by the driver who turned in front of the motorcycle.

   Source: Handbook p. 53

   “two-thirds of car/motorcycle collisions are caused not by the motorcyclist but by the driver who turned in front of the motorcycle.”
   Oklahoma Driver Manual, Handbook p. 53

4. Follow a motorcycle by at least three seconds.

   Source: Handbook p. 53

   “Allow at least a three-second following distance so the cyclist has enough time to maneuver or stop in an emergency.”
   Oklahoma Driver Manual, Handbook p. 53

5. A truck's blind spots are in front on either side of the cab and up to 200 feet behind.

   Source: Handbook p. 54

   “A truck’s blind spots are immediately in front on either side of the cab and up to 200 feet in the rear.”
   Oklahoma Driver Manual, Handbook p. 54

6. If you cannot see the truck's mirror, the driver cannot see you.

   Source: Handbook p. 54

   “If you can’t see the truck’s mirror, the driver can’t see you.”
   Oklahoma Driver Manual, Handbook p. 54

7. Pass a truck as quickly as possible and do not stay alongside it.

   Source: Handbook p. 54

   “Complete your pass as quickly as possible and don’t stay alongside the truck.”
   Oklahoma Driver Manual, Handbook p. 54

8. The slow moving vehicle emblem marks vehicles going 25 mph or less.

   Source: Handbook p. 24

   “highway maintenance equipment traveling on public highways at speeds of 25 MPH or less.”
   Oklahoma Driver Manual, Handbook p. 24

Numbers to know

Recognize these signs

3 questions from the Oklahoma practice test

1. 1. What clearance must an Oklahoma driver leave when passing a bicycle?

   1. At least 3 feet until the vehicle is safely past the bicycle
   2. At least 1 foot
   3. At least 10 feet
   4. Enough to avoid contact, with no set distance
   Show answer

   At least 3 feet until the vehicle is safely past the bicycle. Oklahoma requires a driver overtaking a bicycle to exercise due care by leaving a safe distance of not less than 3 feet between the motor vehicle and the bicycle until the vehicle is safely past, under Title 47-11-1208-A. The manual also warns to watch for riders turning in front of you without looking or signaling, especially children. Three feet is the legal minimum, not a target.

2. 2. Which bicycle riders does the Oklahoma manual say to watch especially for turning without looking or signaling?

   1. Children
   2. Racing cyclists
   3. Commuters in bike lanes
   4. Riders wearing helmets
   Show answer

   Children. The manual tells drivers to watch for bicycle riders turning in front of them without looking or signaling, especially if the rider is a child. Young riders may not know the rules or may misjudge traffic. Slow down near children on bicycles, leave at least 3 feet when passing, and be ready for a sudden turn. Helmets, bike lanes and experience are not the warning the manual gives.

3. 3. Why should you avoid staying alongside a truck while passing it?

   1. Wind turbulence can push vehicles apart and a longer side-by-side exposure increases risk
   2. The truck is required to stop whenever a car is beside it
   3. A truck's engine automatically accelerates downhill
   4. The truck's mirrors make nearby cars invisible to state cameras
   Show answer

   Wind turbulence can push vehicles apart and a longer side-by-side exposure increases risk. Large vehicles create air movement that can affect a smaller vehicle, especially when the vehicles meet or pass in exposed conditions. The manual says the turbulence pushes vehicles apart, so staying alongside gives that force more time to disturb your path. Trucks do not have an automatic duty to stop, and the other choices invent mechanical or enforcement effects. Pass in a legal opening, keep a steady path, and finish without lingering beside the truck.

Source: the Oklahoma Driver Manual, Chapter 10: 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.