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

   “This emblem is used on Slow Moving Vehicles (SMVs) such as agricultural equipment, highway and roadside construction equipment and 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. The manual lists this warning alongside its other advice for passing bicycle riders safely. 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. When you pass a truck in a legal passing zone, what does the Oklahoma manual tell you to do once you pull alongside it?

   1. Complete the pass as quickly as possible instead of staying alongside
   2. Match the truck's speed so its driver can see you clearly
   3. Slow down right after pulling in front of the truck
   4. Move back in front as soon as your rear bumper clears the cab
   Show answer

   Complete the pass as quickly as possible instead of staying alongside. The Oklahoma manual says to move into the passing lane only when it is clear and you are in a legal passing zone, then complete the pass as quickly as possible and not stay alongside the truck. Lingering beside it keeps you near the cab, where the manual places the truck's blind spots. After passing, maintain your speed instead of slowing and forcing the truck driver to brake, and move back only when you can see the front of the truck in your rearview mirror.

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.