Key points
By law you must let a motorcyclist or moped driver use one complete lane.
Source: Handbook p. 56
“According to the law, you must allow the motorcyclist/moped driver to use one (1) complete lane.”
Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95), Handbook p. 56Allow the same 4-second following distance or more behind a motorcycle or moped.
Source: Handbook p. 56
“Allow the same 4-second following distance or more you would allow for other vehicles.”
Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95), Handbook p. 56When passing a bicycle, allow at least four feet. You may cross the double yellow line to do it if safe.
Source: Handbook p. 92
“When passing, you must allow at least four (4) feet between your vehicle and a bicycle in order to pass safely. If necessary and if you can do it safely, you are permitted to cross the center double yellow line so you can maintain the four (4) feet of clearance”
Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95), Handbook p. 92Drivers cannot turn into the path of a bicyclist riding straight ahead.
Source: Handbook p. 92
“Drivers cannot turn into the path of a bicyclist who is riding straight ahead on a roadway or shoulder.”
Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95), Handbook p. 92It takes three to five seconds longer to pass a truck than a car on a level highway.
Source: Handbook p. 56
“On a level highway, it takes only three (3) to five (5) seconds longer to pass a truck than a vehicle.”
Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95), Handbook p. 56Do not increase your speed while a truck is passing you.
Source: Handbook p. 57
“In any event, do not increase your speed while the truck is passing you.”
Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95), Handbook p. 57A loaded truck at 65 mph needs at least 600 feet to stop, compared with 400 feet for a car.
Source: Handbook p. 58
“traveling at 65 mph on a clear, dry roadway, requires a minimum of 600 feet to come to a complete stop (compared to the stopping distance of 400 feet for a passenger vehicle).”
Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95), Handbook p. 58Yield to pedestrians crossing at intersections or in crosswalks.
Source: Handbook p. 55
“Yield to pedestrians crossing at intersections or in crosswalks.”
Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95), Handbook p. 55
Numbers to know
| Number | What it means | Manual |
|---|---|---|
| 4 seconds | following distance behind a motorcycle | Handbook p. 56 |
| 4 feet | minimum clearance when passing a bicycle | Handbook p. 92 |
| 3 to 5 seconds | extra time to pass a truck | Handbook p. 56 |
| 65 mph | speed in the truck stopping example | Handbook p. 58 |
| 600 feet | loaded truck stopping distance | Handbook p. 58 |
| 400 feet | car stopping distance | Handbook p. 58 |
3 questions from the Pennsylvania practice test
1. How much space must Pennsylvania drivers allow a motorcycle to use?
- The center line and half a lane
- Half a lane
- Only the shoulder
- One complete lane
Show answer
One complete lane. Pennsylvania law requires a motorcyclist or moped driver to be allowed one complete lane. A motorcycle’s smaller size does not make it a half-lane vehicle, and drivers must not crowd it or share its lane. The shoulder is not a substitute for the motorcycle’s roadway space. Treat the motorcycle as a full vehicle, maintain a safe position, and change lanes only after checking that the entire adjacent lane is clear.
2. What following distance should a Pennsylvania driver allow behind a motorcycle or moped?
- Exactly one second
- The same distance as a parked vehicle
- Two car lengths in every condition
- At least four seconds, or more in poor conditions
Show answer
At least four seconds, or more in poor conditions. Pennsylvania advises allowing the same four-second following distance or more behind a motorcycle or moped, with extra space when road or weather conditions are bad. A fixed one-second gap or two car lengths does not account for speed, surface, or the rider’s need to maneuver. Use a stationary roadside object to count four seconds after the motorcycle passes it, then increase the count when rain, ice, or another hazard reduces traction.
3. If a truck is passing you in Pennsylvania, how should you manage your speed?
- Increase it to stay beside the truck
- Brake hard immediately
- Reduce it slightly and then keep it steady
- Move into the truck’s blind spot
Show answer
Reduce it slightly and then keep it steady. When a truck passes, Pennsylvania recommends reducing speed slightly and then keeping it steady. Increasing speed prolongs the truck’s pass and can trap your vehicle beside it. Hard braking may create a conflict for traffic behind you, and moving into a blind spot removes the truck driver’s view. Stay toward the far side of your lane, maintain a calm speed, and leave the truck room to complete the maneuver before changing position.
Practice this topic
Lock it in with right of way questions from the free Pennsylvania practice test. Every answer comes with a plain English explanation.
Source: the Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95), Chapter 3: Learning to Drive. 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.